Western diplomats say they are disturbed by atrocities allegedly committed by government forces in the Upper Nile region.

The UN published a report on Tuesday, saying government forces burned women and children inside their houses in Unity and Upper Nile States.

It says women were gang-raped in the process.

The diplomats have described the incidents as horrific acts of violence against civilians.

The joint statement was issued by the European Union Delegation, the Heads of Mission of France, Germany and Italy.

The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom were part of the statement.

They also include the Heads of Mission of Canada, Norway, Switzerland and the United States.

The diplomats have urged the warring parties to end abuses and violations of human rights and bring justice to the victims of the conflict.

They have also called on the African Union to publish the findings of its Commission of Enquiry into the conflict.

The government is yet to respond to the statement.