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Human Rights Conditions Deteriorate in South Sudan

Dimo Silva Aurelio

   JUBA - U.N. officials say human rights conditions in South Sudan are
   deteriorating as a February 22 deadline for creating a transitional
   unity government draws near.

   Three U.N. human rights commissioners who wrapped up their eighth
   mission to South Sudan on Friday said the country's rival parties have
   made little progress in implementing a 2018 peace deal that calls for
   the unity government.

   U.N. commissioners Yasmin Sooka, Andrew Clapham and Barney Afako
   visited camps and settlements for internally displaced persons across
   South Sudan. They also met with government officials, civil society
   activists, and diplomats to gauge what is happening on the ground.

   Clapham said the government has been slow to disperse funds for
   carrying out key security procedures, such as gathering rebel soldiers
   for training prior to integration into the national army.

   "Although the government of South Sudan has pledged $100 million to
   support the cantonment program, less than half of this fund seems to
   have been released. Some countries, which have donated money to remedy
   cantonment-related issues, do not know how the funds have been used,"
   Clapham told reporters in Juba.

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