Nicholas Haysom, Head of UN Mission in South Sudan. Credit | UN

Community-based militias were responsible for the majority of violence against civilians between July and September 2023, said the UN Mission in South Sudan, adding that it documented at least 200 incidents.

In its human rights brief, the Mission said 641 civilians were impacted by violence characterized by killing, injury, abduction, and conflict-related sexual violence over this period.

UNMISS said 77 percent of the documented victims were atrociously harmed or killed during incidents carried out by community-based militias or civil-defense groups.

The third quarter of 2023 has, however, seen a 3 percent decrease in violent incidents (from 222 to 215) and a 26 percent decrease in civilian harm (from 871 to 642) compared to the previous quarter (Apr-Jun 2023), said the peacekeeping body.

It further said the number of civilians killed decreased by 19 per cent (from 395 to 321), the number of people injured decreased by 18 per cent (from 281 to 231).

While the number of abductions decreased from 166 to 65, while the number of victims subjected to CRSV decreased from 29 to 24.

In contrast, Warrap, followed by Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria, remained the most affected states in the country, accounting for 440 of the victims throughout South Sudan.

UNMISS further noted recurring hostilities between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the National Salvation Front state which it said continues to adversely affect the protection of civilians in parts of Central Equatoria.

“Violence against civilians is unacceptable and undermines the notion of justice and the rule of law,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary General’s Special Representative to South Sudan and the Head of UNMISS.

“It is critical that the Government of South Sudan, all signatory parties, as well as the national and community leaders prioritize safety, security, and the protection of civilians.”

“South Sudan, as a State Party to international human rights treaties, is legally obligated to protect the rights of all persons within its territory,” the brief further said.

UNMISS said it pledges support to authorities across South Sudan in addressing the challenges faced in monitoring and reporting violations, and to make concerted efforts towards comprehensive actions to curb violence against civilians.