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15 August 2024 (New York) – The United Kingdom urges the Government of South Sudan to take the necessary steps to hold peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
Acting Deputy Political Coordinator Jonathan Hollis made the remarks at a UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan in New York on Wednesday.
“While we acknowledge that some progress has been made in terms of funding for some key institutions, we remain concerned that preparations for the December 22 elections remain behind schedule,” he said.
South Sudan is about to hold its first elections in more than five years of independence after a bloody civil war that killed thousands and displaced millions.
Hollis said it is time for the authorities to demonstrate the political will to address South Sudan’s most pressing challenges and achieve a more stable future.
“We urge the Government to fully allocate the resources needed to carry out critical preparations. We also call on the parties to the Revitalized Agreement to engage in political dialogue and reach consensus to hold elections. This includes decisions on voter registration, the type of elections to be held, and progress on the deployment of the necessary joint forces,” he said.
British officials told the Security Council that civic and political space was the cornerstone of any functioning democracy and must be respected.
However, he said the UK remained concerned about reports of threats and intimidation against political activists, journalists and human rights defenders.
“We are particularly troubled by the passage of the new National Security Service bill, which allows security services to arrest individuals without a warrant,” Hollis said. “We call on the Government of South Sudan to act in accordance with its constitutional commitments to respect human rights.”
British officials urged the South Sudanese government to work with its partners amid reports that three-quarters of South Sudan’s population is suffering a protracted humanitarian crisis exacerbated by conflict, climate and economic shocks.
“We urge partners to work together to support the most vulnerable and ask the Government of South Sudan to ensure an enabling environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and prevent attacks on aid workers,” he stressed.
He said that although the challenges ahead are severe, they are not insurmountable.
“With the right political will and courage, South Sudan can take an important step toward a more peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future,” Hollis concluded.
(English stone)
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