The Human Rights Watch says UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon should now lead the effort to bring to justice, those who committed atrocities since the conflict began in 2013.

The rights group says, in a report, that the UN should not wait for the report of the AU Commission of Inquiry, saying it will not be issued out soon.

The rights group says Mr. Ban should lead the establishment of a well-funded hybrid court, with full participation of international judges, or urge the Security Council to refer the case to the International Criminal Court.

It stated that both the government and the opposition subjected civilians to sexual violence, extensive lootings and severe hunger as they fled for days during the recent clashes in Unity state.

“That report was squashed in January by African presidents in Addis Ababa, and now we have no idea when it might appear,” said Ms. Skye Wheeler, Researcher with Human Rights Watch.

“So now, the UN should take the lead and make some recommendations for accountability, on how South Sudan can move forward.”

The report also noted that the UN, the African Union, and their member states have repeatedly called upon the warring parties to respect human rights, but the abuses have continued.

“The call for the UN Secretary General to take the lead in the agenda of holding the perpetrators of human rights accountable, if UN, at the level of Secretary-General, can take a strong stand, is genuine,” said Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization.

“If the war continues, there will be continuation of human rights violations.”

The Human Rights Watch report also stated that the UN Security Council should implement full sanctions on South Sudanese leaders causing instability.

These should include travel bans and asset freezes. The government is yet to comment on the report.