South Sudan: Seeking a Seat On UN Human Rights Council

Juba — South Sudan should commit to make several important improvements to human rights ahead of elections for the UN Human Rights Council on November 12, 2013, a group of South Sudanese and international human rights groups said today. South Sudan is one of five countries in Africa running for four seats on the Human Rights Council, the UN body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights across the globe.

A range of human rights violations have taken place in South Sudan since its independence in 2011, including killings of civilians by security forces and unlawful arrests, the groups said. In a letter to South Sudan's President Salva Kiir published on November 8, 2013, international and South Sudanese human rights groups called for justice for civilians unlawfully killed by security forces, including in Jonglei and Western Bahr el Ghazal states, and for an end to unlawful arrest and detention across the county.

"South Sudan is a new country, but that is all the more reason why it should set itself firmly on the side of respecting human rights," said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "South Sudan's leadership should make a public commitment to improve its human rights record ahead of the elections and put its promises into effect before February, when the winners will take their seats."

The letter also calls on the President Kir to ensure journalists and human rights defenders are protected from harassment and arrest and to take steps to end child and forced marriage. South Sudan should also ensure that the national Human Rights Commission is fully funded and operational and should sign and ratify core international human rights treaties and conventions, and cooperate fully with the Human Rights Council, including by inviting UN human rights experts to visit the country, the groups said.

What is the Human Rights Council?

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations structure, with a membership of 47 countries. The council is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.

When are the elections and will South Sudan win a seat?

South Sudan is competing in elections scheduled for November 12. There are 47 council seats designed to ensure geographical representation, with 13 country members from the African group, 13 from the Asian group, 6 from the Eastern European group, 8 from the Latin American and Caribbean group, and 7 from the Western European and Other States group.