Yasmin Sooka, Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan meet Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs brief the media following a meeting with President Salva Kiir on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. (Photo: Office of the President).

President Salva Kiir and a visiting delegation of the UN Human Rights Commission in South Sudan discussed the country’s human rights situation and ways to end rights violations.

The team of independent experts led by Yasmin Sooka are on a five-day visit to meet government officials, survivors of human rights violations, members of civil society, jurists, UN agencies and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The experts reportedly plan to discuss the human rights situation in South Sudan, including the Commission’s latest findings and recommendations.

Chairperson Sooka arrived in the country on February 12 with fellow members, Barney Afako and Carlos Castresana Fernández, according to a press statement by the UN Human Rights Council on February 8.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro said the government provided a detailed report on peace implementation and human rights violations in country, a press statement from President Kiir’s office said.

Ms. Sooka reportedly said her meeting with the president exchanged views on human rights issues in South Sudan.

“Sooka assured the President of their readiness to prepare an authentic report on the current situation in South Sudan,” said Kiir’s office.

The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

First established in March 2016, it has been renewed annually since.

The Commission assesses the situation of human rights in South Sudan
and to make recommendations to prevent a deterioration of the situation, with a view to
its improvement.