The country not safe yet for refugees to return, says UN

Author : | Published: February 15, 2014

Courtesy-of-www.unitar.org

The United Nations has warned against the return of 130,000 South Sudanese who have fled to neighbouring countries due to the continued violence in the country.

They say the political and security situation remains fluid despite last month’s signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement by the Government and SPLM-SPLA in Opposition.

The second round of talks is currently underway in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, mediated by the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD.

The UN refugee agency has recommended that States refrain from returning South Sudanese to their country, unless cases involving people who may have committed serious human right violations are addressed.

The UNHCR’s spokesperson, Melissa Fleming said the UNHCR’s advisory against forced returns to South Sudan remains in effect until security, rule of law and the human rights conditions improve enough to allow for safe and dignified returns.

The advisory was issued, the same day that the UN Council called for fully inclusive talks to end the crisis, in which thousands of people are believed to have been killed and nearly 900,000 others have been driven from their homes.

Ms. Fleming said that in light of continuing violence, people fleeing South Sudan are likely to meet the criteria for refugee status under international and regional conventions.

The refugees have fled primarily to Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda.

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