The Human Rights Watch says human rights violations have been committed by the army in the former Western Equatoria State, but the government has denied the accusation.

The rights group says it recorded numerous killings, enforced disappearances, rapes and other forms of violations during an expanded fighting in the region.

In a report, the director of the Human Rights Watch says the South Sudan conflict has now shifted to the Western part of the country.

The HRW says its researchers in February documented attacks on civilians, burning and looting of homes, and arbitrary detention and execution of people.

“As South Sudan’s fighting has shifted west, so too have the atrocities by government forces and rebel groups. South Sudan’s leaders should put a stop to all abuses,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

“Both an arms embargo and an effective war crimes court are also crucial to help stem the abuses and send a message that the crimes will be punished.”

It says thousands of civilians have also been forced to flee their homes for safety.

However, the government says there are criminals in the region, who dress up in SPLA uniforms, and kill civilians to implicate the army.

“So the report is not that accurate, it is not [something] that a reasonable person can rely upon,” said Ateny Wek Ateny, Presidential Press Secretary.

The Human Rights Watch has called for a comprehensive arms embargo on South Sudan.