UNSC in session - file picture

The UN Security Council has repeated its call to the government of South Sudan to take greater responsibility for the protection of civilians in volatile areas across the country.

Council members expressed deep concern at the increasing violence in Jonglei and revenge killing in Lakes, Unity and Warrap states.

The UN Security Council resolution on South Sudan security situation underlined the need to address the causes of communal violence in the country.

On Thursday, the 15-member body unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of UN Mission in South Sudan for a year –until July 2014, with its priority task of protecting civilians.

“The result of the voting is as follows; the draft resolution received 15 votes in favor. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2019 of 2013,” Rosemary A. DiCarlo, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, who currently serves as the President for the council, read out the results of the voting.

The Council members authorized UNMISS to geographically reconfigure its military and asset deployment across South Sudan.

The Council demanded that the government of South Sudan refrain from imposing restrictions on UNMISS movements.

It further asked UNMISS to be ready to coordinate global efforts in support of preparations for the 2015 national elections in South Sudan.

Speaking at the Security Council’s meeting yesterday, South Sudan representative to the UN, Ambassador Francis Mading Deng expressed appreciation for the council’s concerns and pledged that the government will respect UNMISS operations in the country:

“We fully recognize the requirement that UNMISS is to have unhindered access across the territory, and commit to improving our communication and coordination systems in this area.”

Mr. Deng said South Sudan is working to address the concerns of human rights violations in the country.

The UN Security Council also welcomed the enactment of some legislation in South Sudan which include; the National Elections Act, Political Parties Act, Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, the Petroleum Act, and the Banking Act.

It also welcomed President Salva Kiir’s program to combat corruption, and underscored the need for the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to take further steps to address corruption.

The 15-member Security Council also underscored the importance of operationalizing the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, and the need to resume the aerial reconnaissance flights conducted by the UN peacekeeping forces in Abyei.