UNMISS concerned over mounting evidence of gross international human rights law violations in South Sudan

The UN Mission in South Soudan (UNMISS) Tuesday was gravely concerned over "mounting evidence" of gross human rights abuses in the strife-torn country, including extra-judicial killings of civilians and captured soldiers, massive displacements and arbitrary detentions, often on ethnic grounds. These abuses occurred in various parts of the country, as evidenced by the discovery of large numbers of bodies in Juba, as well as the Upper Nile and Jonglei state capitals of Malakal and Bor, respectively. The UN Special Envoy for South Sudan Hilde Johnson "condemned in the strongest terms" the atrocities committed against civilians of different communities by elements from both sides during the two-week crisis, calling for perpetrators to be held accountable. She also urged key leaders in South Sudan to send "strong public messages to their respective constituencies insisting that the violence must stop." The Mission reported that fighting broke out today in Bor, Jonglei state, as anti-Government forces attacked the town in the vicinity of the UN base which hosts some 9,000 civilians, insisting that it remains secure. UN Spokesman Martin Nesirky said most of the more brutal atrocities are reported to have been carried out by people wearing uniform, adding that the mounting evidence that civilians are apparently targeted on ethnic grounds can lead to a perpetual cycle