US report cites South Sudan gov't in extrajudicial, ethnic-based killings

(radiotamazuj.org)

A new report by the United States Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations to the Congress has fingered the government of South Sudan for involvement in executing a deliberate policy of extrajudicial killings, widespread sexual violence, and use of food as a weapon of war.    

The 2021 Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 5 of the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018, released on Monday, also quoted US Secretary of State Antony John Blinken saying those responsible for human rights violations in South Sudan must be held to account.

“In South Sudan, the State (Department) coordinated financial and political support to establish an African Union hybrid court to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity," the report read in part. “The government has perpetrated extrajudicial killings including ethnic-based killings of civilians, widespread sexual violence, and use of food as a weapon of war. Non-government armed groups also perpetrated unlawful killings, rape, sexual slavery, and forced recruitment of children.”

According to the report, the African Union and the United Nations have separately documented atrocities in South Sudan.

“In February 2021, Secretary Blinken stated those responsible for human rights violations in South Sudan must be held to account. The AU Commission of Inquiry and the UN Commission on Human Rights for South Sudan have documented atrocities,” the report read. “State (Department) continues to support civil society documentation to further truth, justice, and accountability and advocate for a robust mandate for the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan to collect and preserve evidence. USAID supports civil society and independent media to promote political stability, peacebuilding, and citizen’s participation in, and oversight of, peace agreement implementation.”

The report said the Biden Administration is committed to promoting democratic values that underpin a stable international system critical to freedom, prosperity, and peace. 

“This Administration will defend and protect human rights around the world, and recognizes the prevention of atrocities is a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility. This report highlights countries of concern and whole-of-government efforts undertaken by the Atrocity Early Warning Task Force to prevent and respond to atrocities from July 2020 to May 2021,” it concluded.