Human Rights Council – 49th session
Interactive Dialogue with the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan
18 March 2022
Australian Statement
Australia thanks the Commission for its work and welcomes the updates provided on human rights in South Sudan.
Australia welcomes the opening of the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly in September 2021, measures taken towards a permanent constitution, and South Sudan’s intention to establish a hybrid court. These are important steps towards creating the preconditions for improving human rights in South Sudan. However, Australia remains concerned at the slow progress on implementing the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
Australia urges all parties to take action to address conflict-related sexual violence, and other forms of gender-based violence as well as attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers. We remain gravely concerned at the continued recruitment and use of children by armed groups.
We are concerned conflict and insecurity continues to cause the mass displacement of civilians and to impact humanitarian access at a time when the country has reached the most extreme levels of food insecurity since independence.
Australia asks the Commission what more can be done to increase progress on implementing the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, including peaceful and inclusive elections?