UN experts call for immediate provision of humanitarian aid in South Sudan - JURIST - News

## Summary
News By Sudan Envoy - UN Peacekeeper , CC BY 2.0 , Link In what has been described as a “catastrophic human rights and humanitarian crisis,” a group of 16 UN experts on Thursday urged the immediate protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian access in South Sudan. The experts warned that “South Sudan stands at a critical juncture” and that “[a]ll parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of conflict and protect civilians.” The growing militarization in the country has caused an unfortunate increase in civilian killings, gang activity, and sexual abuse—all of which UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has described as “ war crimes and possible crimes against humanity .” Drone strikes have also been a matter of particular concern, with more than 200 civilians killed since March 4 in strikes across the Kordofan region and White Nile state. The UN experts said, “Without immediate and sustained support, millions risk being left without the assistance they need for survival.” The experts called for immediate action to protect the people of the region: The principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution must be strictly respected … Civilians and civilian objects must never be targeted. The eruption of the Sudanese conflict in 2023 has prompted what has been described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis , with over 30 million people needing assistance.

## Article Content
News
By
Sudan Envoy
-
UN Peacekeeper
,
CC BY 2.0
,
Link
In what has been described as a “catastrophic human rights and humanitarian crisis,” a group of 16 UN experts on Thursday
urged
the immediate protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian access in South Sudan.
The experts warned that “South Sudan stands at a critical juncture” and that “[a]ll parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of conflict and protect civilians.”
The growing militarization in the country has caused an unfortunate increase in civilian killings, gang activity, and sexual abuse—all of which UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has described as “
war crimes
and possible
crimes against humanity
.”
Drone strikes
have also been a matter of particular concern, with more
than 200 civilians killed since March 4 in strikes across the Kordofan region and White Nile state. The strikes have also been
demolishing
key infrastructure, schools, and hospitals.
The UN experts said, “Without immediate and sustained support, millions risk being left without the assistance they need for survival.” The experts called for immediate action to protect the people of the region:
The principles of
distinction, proportionality and precaution
must be strictly respected … Civilians and civilian objects must never be targeted. Measures must be taken to protect the population, and the safety of humanitarian personnel must be guaranteed at all times.
Sudan is currently
facing
one of the largest displacement crises, with over 267,000 people having reportedly been displaced in Jonglei state alone in 2026. It is estimated that 13.6 million people have been displaced in total, most of those individuals being women and children under the age of 18.
The
eruption
of the Sudanese conflict in 2023 has prompted what has been described as the world’s worst
humanitarian crisis
, with over 30 million people needing assistance. The situation in South Sudan is being consistently
monitored
by the UN, and the experts are in contact with the Government of South Sudan.

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- The experts warned that “South Sudan stands at a critical juncture” and that “[a]ll parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of conflict and protect civilians.” The growing militarization in the country has caused an unfortunate increase in civilian killings, gang activity, and sexual abuse—all of which UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has described as “ war crimes and possible crimes against humanity .” Drone strikes have also been a matter of particular concern, with more than 200 civilians killed since March 4 in strikes across the Kordofan region and White Nile state.
- The UN experts said, “Without immediate and sustained support, millions risk being left without the assistance they need for survival.” The experts called for immediate action to protect the people of the region: The principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution must be strictly respected … Civilians and civilian objects must never be targeted.

### Implications
N/A

### Expert Commentary
This article covers sudan, experts, humanitarian topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 337.