The United Nations expressed deep concern on Wednesday over a sharp increase in extrajudicial executions in South Sudan.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, a staggering 39 people, including a child, have been executed by firing squad so far this year.
The UN spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, detailed a disturbing pattern of summary killings carried out by government forces.
Victims have been accused of a range of offenses, from murder and rape to cattle rustling and domestic disputes.
The data reveals a shocking escalation in these crimes, with the number of victims nearly doubling compared to the same period last year.
Al-Kheetan emphasized that such actions constitute grave violations of human rights, including the right to life and due process. He called for an immediate end to these executions and demanded that the South Sudanese government conduct thorough and impartial investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.
The UN also expressed its ongoing concern over the continued use of the death penalty in the country. The organization urged South Sudan to impose a moratorium on executions and ultimately abolish capital punishment.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has been grappling with instability and violence since gaining independence in 2011.
Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, the country continues to face numerous challenges, including conflict, hunger, and economic hardship. The UN’s latest report underscores the urgent need for lasting peace and respect for human rights in South Sudan.
