To be able to respond to the significant challenges posed by the crisis in South Sudan, the United Nations is reinforcing its peacekeeping Mission and scaling up its humanitarian response. For the UN to help protect civilians and assist people in need, unimpeded access is essential.
The United Nations calls on all parties to facilitate the operations of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian actors. This entails respecting the inviolability of UN facilities, installations and assets, and respecting humanitarian activities, staff and property at all times. Non-state actors are also legally accountable for facilitating and respecting the operations of the UN, national and international staff, as well as assets.
In the past two weeks, UNMISS, UN humanitarian agencies and Non Governmental Organizations have experienced unacceptable acts that disrupt their operations and expose their personnel to serious security risks. Some 20 vehicles owned by UN and humanitarian agencies have been commandeered or confiscated by anti-government forces in Bor and Bentiu. Several storage facilities and warehouses have been looted; offices and accommodation compounds have been occupied and subsequently ransacked. One UNMISS helicopter has been shot at.
“This is unacceptable. I call on the leader of the anti-government forces, Riek Machar Teny, to instruct the forces under his command to stop this practice, to make sure that looted assets and goods, including vehicles, are immediately returned, and to respect the operations of the UN and our humanitarian partners,” said Ms. Hilde F. Johnson, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the Mission in South Sudan.
At the same time, UNMISS’ flights transporting critical supplies for peacekeepers, medical facilities and Internally Displaced Persons have been delayed and hampered by some authorities of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. Some members of the security forces have also stopped UNMISS patrols. These are clear violations of the agreement that regulates the UN’s presence in South Sudan, and is preventing UNMISS from implementing its mandate.
“We call on the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to facilitate the work of UNMISS at this critical time, and fully respect the mutually agreed legal framework for the UN’s work in the country. This is of utmost importance for the operations of the Mission,” underlined SRSG Hilde F. Johnson.
For further information or media enquiries,
Spokesperson: Ariane Quentier - quentier@un.org +211 912 177 770