JUBA, South Sudan, October 30, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The European Union Delegation, the Heads of Mission of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom and the Heads of Mission of Canada, Norway, Switzerland and of the United States of America issue the following statement in South Sudan:
The European Union Delegation, the Heads of Mission of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom and the Heads of Mission of Canada, Norway, Switzerland and of the United States of America commend the efforts of the African Union in South Sudan and welcome the release of the AU Commission of Inquiry report into the early stages of the conflict. This is a serious report and all parties should take its findings and recommendations into due account as the South Sudan peace process moves forward.
The reported and ongoing widespread human rights violations against civilians are appalling and it is not tolerable that ceasefire commitments are being flouted. Accountability for crimes committed, including for violations of international humanitarian law, in the course of the conflict and reconciliation are essential to lay the foundation for sustainable peace.
As the recent IPC study shows, all parties urgently need to lift obstacles that prevent access of humanitarian organisations. This is crucial to avoid the looming famine in certain regions of South Sudan.
The European Union Delegation, the Heads of Mission of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom and the Heads of Mission of Canada, Norway, Switzerland and of the United States of America will continue to support efforts in this direction and call for rapid, complete compliance with the terms of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
