South Sudan’s authorities must allow UNMISS to operate without obstruction: UK statement at the UN Security Council

I begin by expressing our condolences to the families of the three UN peacekeepers killed in Jonglei in August, and wish those injured a swift recovery.

The United Kingdom condemns attacks against UN peacekeepers, who work in extraordinarily difficult circumstances to protect civilians. 

We recall that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.

I will make three points.

First, South Sudan is approaching a critical point in its transition.

The South Sudanese people have the right to choose their leaders and hold them to account. 

But elections must seek to contribute to peace and stability, not deepen division or become a substitute for the political process.

The establishment of new caretaker arrangements, while key provisions of the 2018 Peace Agreement remain unfulfilled, has further weakened political consensus at a critical moment.

All parties must now uphold the ceasefire, open political and civic space, and engage seriously in inclusive dialogue. 

We welcome the efforts of the African Union, IGAD, Special Representative Gbeho and High Representative Kikwete to support this.

Second, political instability and violence are worsening an already devastating humanitarian crisis.

Renewed conflict is forcing families from their homes, it is deepening hunger and making it harder for humanitarian organisations to reach those most in need. 

Conflict across the region is adding to these pressures.

With almost 8 million people already facing acute food insecurity, protecting civilians and preserving humanitarian access must be a priority.

The South Sudanese authorities must ensure safe, timely, and unhindered humanitarian access and seek to protect humanitarian workers.

Public resources continue to be mismanaged, with essential services severely unfunded.

With just 2% of the national budget spent on health and education, the consequences are felt most acutely by the ordinary South Sudanese.

Third, UNMISS remains indispensable to the protection of civilians.

We commend the Mission’s work to deter violence, to protect communities and enable humanitarian access. 

But restrictions imposed by the Caretaker Government continue to obstruct that work.

The authorities must honour the Status of Forces Agreement and allow UNMISS to operate without obstruction. 

At this particularly fragile moment, the Mission must have the freedom of movement it needs to protect civilians.