e UN Security Council has expressed deep concerns about reports of violence in South Sudan.

The concerns were conveyed during a formal meeting of the council on Thursday.

The council condemned the attack on the Protection of civilians’ Site in Malakal in February, and the reported rape cases in the Upper Nile region.

A few days ago, the UN Human Rights Commission said its investigators found that about 1300 women were raped in the former Unity State last year alone.

The UN Security says the acts violate international human rights law.

The council also noted with concern, the worsening state of the economy.

“The Security Council also underscores its grave concern at the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation in South Sudan, with an estimated 2.8 million people severely food insecure, and that humanitarian response continues to be restricted,” said Ismael Abraão Gaspar, Security Council President for this month.

The UN Security Council has urged the government and the SPLM-IO protect civilians and civilian facilities, including schools and hospital.

It also further urges the two parties to allow people to move freely, and allow safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to help ensure timely delivery of humanitarian assistance, to all those in need.

Both sides are yet to comment on the statement.