Probe launched over South Sudan violence against civilians, peacekeepers


UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his outrage over the acts of violence committed against civilians and peacekeepers in South Sudan.

These acts took place between 8 to 11 July by the South Sudanese army, SPLA, and opposition forces.

An attack also took place in a hotel complex in the capital, Juba, called the Terrain in which one person was killed and several civilians were raped and brutally beaten by men in uniform.

In a statement released by his spokesperson on Wednesday, the UN chief announced his decision to launch an independent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents that took place in July.

The probe will also evaluate UNMISS, the UN Mission in South Sudan's overall response.
Ban Ki-moon said he was "alarmed" at the preliminary findings of a fact finding investigation by the Mission into the attack on Hotel Terrain.

He was also concerned about allegations that UNMISS did not respond appropriately to prevent this and other grave cases of sexual violence committed in Juba.

Here's UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu.

"That was a major tragedy, a very heinous act and very deplorable and I think all of us must come together to condemn what was unacceptable behaviour on the part of individuals. I think I would like to use this opportunity to totally investigate this issue. We cannot allow impunity to prevail."

The Government of South Sudan is being urged to investigate these human rights violations and to prosecute those involved in these unspeakable acts of violence.


SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.