NEW YORK – The office of United Nations Secretary General said on Monday the UN headquarters was monitoring the ongoing trial of SPLM/A-IO officials, and stressed that such process must follow international standards and human rights laws.
Addressing journalists in New York, UNSG spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said there must be transparency and full respect of the rule of law in the trial.
“We’ve seen reports that the first vice president, Riek Machar, and other individuals today appeared at a special court hearing in Juba, reminding us that the judicial process must adhere to international standards of fairness and transparency with full respect for the rule of law and for human rights,” he said.
Dujaric called on South Sudan’s warring factions to observe a ceasefire, following fresh clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State. He emphasized that all parties must strictly adhere to the implementation of the revitalized agreement as the only path to lasting peace.
“On the ground, the mission reports fresh clashes between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and alleged white army elements in Nasir County, which is Upper Nile state. These clashes have reportedly resulted in casualties and injuries.”
“The mission is verifying the information and reiterating the call for all peace partners for an immediate cessation of hostilities and strict adherence to the revitalized peace agreement.”
