JUBA — The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned against escalating fighting in Jonglei State, calling for immediate political de-escalation as civilians face growing threats to their lives, safety, and livelihoods.
The Commission – in a statement released on 18 January 2026 – expressed deep alarm at the deteriorating political and security situation across the country, warning that the renewed violence marks a serious erosion of the 2018 peace deal.
According to the Commission, intensified hostilities in recent weeks have included repeated aerial bombardments, ground offensives, and the obstruction of humanitarian access in civilian-populated areas. These actions have placed civilians at risk of death, mass displacement, and severe deprivation.
Over 100,000 displaced
Humanitarian partners estimate that more than 100,000 people—predominantly women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities—have been forcibly displaced across Jonglei State since late December 2025. Many have fled without access to shelter, food, or medical care.
It stated that repeated airstrikes in areas including Uror, Ayod, and Nyirol counties have killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, markets, and medical facilities, and forced the suspension of health services. Critically ill patients have been left without lifesaving care as medical staff evacuate under insecurity.
Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka stressed that the protection of civilians is a binding legal obligation of the Government of South Sudan. She warned that renewed airstrikes in civilian areas, combined with restrictions on humanitarian access, are unlawfully endangering lives while further undermining the peace agreement.
Commissioner Barney Afako cautioned that the violence in Jonglei is not an isolated incident but part of a wider and dangerous escalation that could plunge the country into another cycle of conflict. He noted that civilians continue to bear the heaviest cost of political miscalculations and the deliberate unraveling of the peace process.
The UN body underscored that all parties to the conflict are bound by international humanitarian and human rights law. Attacks against civilians, indiscriminate airstrikes, and the denial of humanitarian assistance are strictly prohibited and may amount to serious violations of international law.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández warned that deliberate or reckless airstrikes in civilian areas, denial of medical care, and obstruction of humanitarian access could constitute war crimes, and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
The Commission urged Juba to exercise effective control over its forces, prevent violations by allied militias, and ensure safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access. It also called on non-state armed groups to immediately cease hostilities affecting civilians.
Among its key demands, the Commission called for an immediate halt to all airstrikes and military operations in civilian areas, full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, accountability for serious violations, and renewed regional and international engagement to support an inclusive political transition.
“The fighting must stop now; civilians must be protected,” Sooka said, warning that every new violation deepens human suffering and further dismantles the fragile peace.
