U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler. (Photo: Courtesy).

The U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan is calling on the government to act with urgency to end sub-national violence and prosecute perpetrators of all forms of human trafficking in the country.

In a statement extended to Eye Radio on Friday, January 20, 2023, Ambassador Michael J. Adler said the government should hold accountable those involved in abductions.

He also called for accountability against perpetrators of all other forms of human rights violations, including recruitment of children into the army.

“In South Sudan, we are gravely concerned about reports of women and children being abducted, including within the context of subnational violence,” he said.

“We are equally concerned by continued reports of the recruitment and use of child soldiers.  We renew our call for South Sudan’s leaders to act with urgency to end subnational violence and to hold accountable those responsible for abductions and for all other forms of human rights violations, including child soldier recruitment.”

Ambassador Adler says the United States government has dedicated the month of January each year, to raising awareness about human trafficking.

He added that the U.S. Government has reaffirmed the importance of commitment throughout the year to end human trafficking, which constitutes one of the worst categories of human rights violations.

Ambassador Adler states that the U.S. honors the achievements of those who are dedicated to raising awareness about this important issue and who are working to end human trafficking.

He pointed out that human traffickers often take advantage of the instability caused by conflict to exploit others.