“We see 2023 as a ‘make or break’ year and as a test for all parties to the peace agreement,” said Nicolas Hessam, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS,
Briefing the Council on the latest of the UN Secretary-General reports on South Sudan, he offered priority action plan The country is set for a crucial stage of implementing a landmark 2018 peace deal designed to end a devastating civil war.
he also shared progress and reflection During the period under review from December 1 to February 15, which saw raising human needs Between violence, displacement, hunger, climate shock and public health.
‘Stark Choice’
“The Leadership from south sudan now faced with a difficult choice,” he said. Struggle on Privilege Selfishness and Nation Building,
Reporting limited progress in implementing the accord and its road map for peace, Mr. Hessam Welcomed the commitment of the transitional government, but said that the current “slippage” in the timelines agreed at the meeting remains a concern. On the heels of the parties extending the deadline by two years, he said “neither the stakeholders nor the international community are of a mind to consider further extension”.
“We believe that some major constraints The parties must articulate how to successfully position South Sudan to complete the final phase of the transitional phase,” he said, pointing to several areas for action.
inclusive new constitution, elections
He said the drafting of a new constitution is an important opportunity to promote harmony and prevent a repeat of the civil strife that defined the last decade. He said this requires an inclusive process that gives a voice to all South Sudanese, including marginalized communities. urged the government to expedite the processIncluding ending the long recess of Parliament.
Following the government’s request for assistance ahead of planned elections in 2024, he said the 2021 assessment mission indicates that efforts should focus on creating an architecture and environment for secure elections.
“there is need Fast-track all prep work Now,” he urged the transitional government to finalize the legal framework and reconstitution of the National Electoral Commission.
Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan Nicolas Hessam briefs the Security Council meeting on the situations in Sudan and South Sudan.
expand civic space
expansion of civic and political space “will be a Defining the Legacy of the Transitional Period,” he stressed. “It constitutes the ultimate criterion by which the credibility of the electoral process will be judged and determined foundation of a stable democracy Which can avoid further conflict.
For its part, UNMISS is involving stakeholders To ask important questions towards promoting a safer civic space, he said.
He also took note of the messages that have recently surfaced International Conference on Women Transformational Leadership, held in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. Call to action at gathering stresses more protected space for women and girls Embrace Their Role as Change Agents“, They said.
gusts of violence
last constraints are related humanitarian situation and security, He continued. Appealing for an immediate start to strengthen and deploy the so-called essential integrated forces – actually a national army, police and coherent security operation – he said they “could be either an asset or a liability during the transition”. “.
Concerned about cases of intercommunal violence, where Ethnic or tribal dimensions threaten to undermine hard-won peace gainsHe expressed shock over a recent cycle revenge killing and the unacceptable practice of abduction and use Gender-based violence as a tool of war,
With civilian protection being the “heartbeat” of the UN mission, he referred to seven human rights reports published by UNMISS, which include recommendations for reform in the areas of justice, accountability and reconciliation.
In addition, UNMISS has requested UN Headquarters to conduct a capacity study to consider whether there is a case for strengthening uniformed deployments within its authorized mandate ahead of the election cycle.
“These preferences are all mutually reinforcing,” he said. “There is there’s still enough time To achieve the ideals, goals and timelines set out in the peace accord. we would like to believe that the South Sudanese will Make the most of this fast closing opportunity,
Noting that climate-related shocks and conflicts continue to affect the human condition, they called for the present $1.7 billion response plan Of the 6.8 million people in need, only three percent remain funded.
Tariq Talhama, Acting Director of Operations and Advocacy Division in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), briefs the United Nations Security Council meeting on the situations in Sudan and South Sudan.
degradation of human needs
Elaborating on the current worsening situation, Tariq Talhama, Acting Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said the record high needs are increasing.
In 2023, 9.4 million – 76 percent of South Sudan’s population – Humanitarian assistance may be required, he said. An estimated 7.8 million people may face food insecurity, many facing dire conditions, with more than 1.2 million children under the age of five facing severe malnutrition.
compounding that, Conflict have triggered large displacements, and climate change shocks They have extended further to human needs, he said.
Despite South Sudan being one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers, partners have reached 5 million people with aid.
call for prompt action
However, early action is vital to prevent further sufferingHe said OCHA aims, among others, to expand efforts to reach more than 2.2 million people who have been internally displaced since 2013.
Sustainable solutions are needed, he said, citing examples of ongoing efforts including a four-year strategic development plan to support conflict and disaster-affected communities.
At a time when there is an urgent need to ensure safe access to those in need of assistance, Cooperative international efforts must address drivers long crisisHe is calling on security Council to support it.
“Together, We need to do more in 2023,” he said. “We urge all actors to reduce violence and ensure commitments are kept.”
human rights council
To address the current situation and ongoing concerns, the United Nations human rights council will consider Latest reports on South Sudan on Tuesday.