UN Security Council members vote during a session. (File photo/Courtesy).

The UN Security Council Thursday unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan until 30 April 2024.

The council adopted resolution 2726 on March 14, 2024.

The 15 members of the Security Council decided to extend the mandate of the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan until 30 April 2024,

According to the text, the Council authorized the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMISS) to use all necessary means to carry out its tasks, determining that the situation in the country continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.

The Security Council statement stated: “By other terms, it recalled its previous resolutions, statements of its President and press statements concerning the situation in South Sudan, and decided to remain actively seized of the matter.

UNMISS was established on 8 July 2011 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1996.

The mission mandated by the Security Council to carry out tasks in four key areas — protection of civilians; creation of conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance

The peace force is also mandated to support the implementation of the Revised Agreement and the Peace Process.

This includes monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights, and reported to the Secretary-General any obstacles and stressing that the protection of civilians shall be given priority.

According to the Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, released on the 1st of March 2024, it details a range of human rights violations, abuses, and related crimes,

including systematic political repression and economic predation by political elites. Women continue to endure pervasive discrimination, inequality, sexual violence, and sexual slavery.