Human Rights Watch has urged the African Union to reconsider its decision to defer the release of a report on the inquiry into the current conflict.

The release of the report was deferred indefinitely by the African Union Peace and Security Council last week over concerns that it may interfere with the peace process.

The director for Africa at the Human Rights Watch, Daniel Bekele, says the decision has left the people of South Sudan in uncertainty on whether the victims of alleged atrocities will get justice.

“The people and partners of South Sudan have been waiting for the AU report to help bring justice for the grave crimes of the past year,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

“By shelving the report, the AU has left the people of South Sudan in the lurch.”

The AU Peace and Security Council authorized the commission of inquiry in December 2013, and it was established in March 2014.

It is mandated to document the conflict’s abuses and offer recommendations on justice and reconciliation. The commission interviewed many South Sudanese victims and witnesses for its report.

In a statement, the rights group said the African Union should publish the report promptly.