The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), has observed with dismay, the deterioration of the human rights situation in  in South Sudan, which has had massive implications on regional peace, security and stability. 

The Commission strongly condemns the recent attacks on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) African Embassies, the United Nations Compound and the civilian population, and requests the Government of South Sudan to ensure their full protection. 

The Commission calls for the cessation of the hostilities and the implementation of and respect for the Addis Ababa Peace Agreement by all the parties involved. The Commission further advises them to lay down their arms and stop any acts of violation of the physical and moral integrity of the population. 

Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights pursuant to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), the Commission calls on the Government of South Sudan to respect the rights guaranteed by the African Charter and other human rights instruments to which it is a party and to refrain from any action that could threatened the human rights of its population. 

 The Commission urges South Sudan to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of its population as well as to respect and realize their right to peace as stipulated in Article 3(f) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. 

Finally, the Commission urges the African Union, IGAD and the international Community to encourage all stakeholders and parties to the peace agreement to ensure a peaceful end to the crisis and to the restoration of the ongoing peace process.