UN Human Rights Council 49: UK Core Group statement to introduce Item 2 resolution on South Sudan
Simon Manley, UK Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, delivered the statement on behalf of a core group of Albania, Norway, the United States and the UK, the draft resolution on Advancing Human Rights in South Sudan.
Thank you Mr President.
I am honoured to present, on behalf of a core group of Albania, Norway, the United States and the UK, this draft resolution on Advancing Human Rights in South Sudan.
Mr President,
Throughout this Session, the UK and our fellow Core Group members have made clear our deep concern over the continuing and grave human rights situation in South Sudan. The report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, supported by other relevant UN reporting, shows clearly that human rights violations and abuses continue to be committed frequently, and with impunity, by all actors, across the country.
These reports include first-hand accounts of horrific acts of sexual and gender-based violence, and in our view, show clearly why extending the Commission’s mandate remains absolutely necessary. By shining a light on human rights concerns in the country, the Commission plays a vital role in supporting South Sudan’s stated commitment to implementing fully the Revitalized Agreement and realise, after years of conflict, a durable peace, respect for the rule of law, and the full enjoyment and protection of human rights in South Sudan.
Mr President,
We regret that consensus on the extension of this mandate wasn’t possible last year. This session, in addition to streamlining the draft text, we met with the African Group in various configurations, to try and return to a single negotiated text. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, we have again been unable to achieve this. However, I’d like to express our sincere gratitude to our colleagues in the African Group for their open and collaborative approach to these discussions.
Mr President,
We note the position of South Sudan with respect to this draft resolution, and their call for more technical assistance and capacity building. We fully agree that this is a vital part of the much-needed support for South Sudan, and we will therefore support draft resolution L.34, when it is presented by the African Group for action.
However, we are clear that such efforts are only one part of a much-needed, more comprehensive, approach to improving human rights, which includes a continued need for monitoring and scrutiny by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. And I would like to recognise and welcome that despite South Sudan’s position, the Government has continued to cooperate with the Commission over the past year.
My Core Group colleagues and I therefore urge the Council to adopt this draft resolution and extend the mandate of the Commission, and to vote in favour should a vote be called. If the resolution is adopted, we will continue efforts to find a way back to consensus next year.
Thank you.