S/PV.9705 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the South Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan; Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director of the Operations and Advocacy, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2024/572, which contains the report of the Secretary- General on the situation in South Sudan. I now give the floor to Mr. Haysom. Mr. Haysom: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief on developments in South Sudan. When I last updated the Council, in April, I conveyed the Secretary-General’s assessment that the parties were yet to achieve a “critical mass” of the implementation of key steps necessary for the peaceful conduct of free, fair and credible elections. The Secretary-General had recommended that the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan engage with one another to find a consensual approach on the holding of the elections. Since then, discussions have indeed continued among the parties towards resolving those and other priority outstanding issues in the road map. We understand that the High-Level Standing Committee has completed its report, which was anticipated to be discussed by the President yesterday and today. We also understand that a preliminary report was released last night by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs. However, on the critical issue of the date of the elections, we understand that no date has yet been agreed and that the President has designated the electoral institutions to produce a feasible proposal on when the elections might be held. Meanwhile, in May, a second dialogue process was launched in Nairobi, known as the Tumaini initiative. Those talks —relocated from Rome and now hosted by the Government of Kenya  — seek to ensure that non-signatory parties, civil society, faith-based groups and traditional leaders join the peace process. The Tumaini initiative proposes new monitoring, oversight and implementation mechanisms and a national leadership council structure. In response to those proposals, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) announced its withdrawal from the Tumaini process on 16 July, citing concerns that the initiative delt with matters that were already agreed in the Revitalized Agreement, and accordingly had gone beyond its remit. There is currently a lack of clarity as to whether the SPLM-IO has reversed its decision. But, from the report released last evening, there is an indication that it is under review. My team and I have employed all the good offices at our disposal to engage the parties involved in those ongoing processes, including the Tumaini mediation team. I welcome the spirit of consensus- building in which both dialogue processes have been conducted. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has encouraged an approach whereby both processes would be mutually reinforcing in the search for consensus among all stakeholders, that is, among formal signatories and non-signatories to the peace agreement. As things stand, however, it seems that further clarity is required on how the Tumaini initiative and its outcomes will converge with, and thereby complement, the framework of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. To be clear: the Mission is not championing either process as an exclusive modality but is promoting the constructive confluence of the two. It is imperative that both processes advance with deliberate speed to deliver on the aspirations of South Sudanese citizens. With regard to the overall implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and its road map, I refer to the forthcoming briefing by the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Ambassador Major General Charles Tai Gituai. UNMISS notes that some steps have been taken by the parties and institutions since my previous report, which includes the provision of funding to the National Constitutional Review Commission, albeit short of a fully operational budget. State high elections committees have been appointed. With UNMISS assistance, the National Elections Commission has begun assessing the ground-level infrastructure and facilities required for a conducive environment for conducting elections. To date, 29 political parties have been registered, although some parties continue to object to, first, the registration fee amount set by the Political Parties Council; secondly, the announcement of the closure of the registration period; and thirdly, the practice of some parties, contrary to the National Elections Act, in maintaining military formations. On 5 July, the National Elections Commission announced 22 December 2024 as the date for elections, citing its legal obligations under the National Elections Act. I note, however, that consultation is ongoing among the political stakeholders as to whether elections can, or should, be held this year. That makes it difficult to treat 22 December as a definitive trigger, in isolation from other critical factors. If a final decision is made for elections in December, UNMISS would proceed with the Security Council’s mandated request for the Secretary-General to provide a report on the security situation, which will include protection of civilians and force protection evaluations, 90-, 60- and 30-days before any election. In the meantime, UNMISS continues to support the creation of an enabling environment for elections in South Sudan, whenever they are to be held. We are focusing on maximizing the Mission’s protection presence through three key lines of effort, that is, dialogue and engagement, physical protection and the creation of a broader protective environment and that includes through capacity-building support to the host Government towards greater self-reliance for the protection of its own people. On that note, I must report the concerns of South Sudanese stakeholders, including civil society, political parties, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and members of the international community, with regard to the National Security Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill 2024, recently passed by the Parliament. The powers of arrest without warrant granted to the National Security Service are claimed to be incompatible with the spirit of South Sudan’s transitional Constitution, the Revitalized Agreement and South Sudan’s human rights treaty obligations under regional and international human rights law. National stakeholders hold that the law is in contradiction with their aspirations for open civic and political space upon which to build a democratic society. It has been noted that the President has the power to refer the law back to Parliament to remedy the criticisms that have been raised and that that would be a significant opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to achieving the open political space in which to conduct South Sudan’s first democratic elections. Meanwhile, sub-national violence continues to undermine the nominal stability realized thus far. Our current concerns relate to deadly clashes in the Greater Upper Nile region, which required a reinforced UNMISS presence in Pariang, in the Ruweng Administrative Area, as well as alleged National Salvation Front abductions in Central Equatoria and periodic intercommunal violence and criminality involving communities in Warrap, Lakes, Unity and Jonglei states. A perfect storm is gathering in South Sudan with regard to its humanitarian and economic outlook. That is reflected in a protracted humanitarian crisis founded on chronic food insecurity; a spillover of the Sudan conflict into South Sudan, resulting in the movement, so far, of 750,000 refugees and internally displaced people; uncertainties in the face of critical political events necessary for a peaceful transition; a rapidly deteriorating economy, exacerbated by the rupture in critical oil infrastructure and revenue; and the potential for once-in-a-lifetime flooding in September. Any one of those elements on its own presents a significant challenge. When taken together, it could push the country to a tipping point  — and all during a time where the people of South Sudan are embarking upon a delicate phase of nation-building. UNMISS is working closely with the United Nations country team, humanitarian partners and the Government of South Sudan on scenario planning, analysis and mitigation for the difficult period ahead. Be that as it may, time is running out, and the costs of inaction at this juncture are too great. Should the elements of the perfect storm converge, it would outstretch the response capacity of the United Nations and risk derailing the country’s political transition. The implications for the broader East Africa region would be significant. Fiscal and monetary discipline will be required to meet that challenge, including transparency on the management of oil revenue and exchange rates. The failure to pay salaries to uniformed and civilian members of the civil service is an additional source of tension. I therefore encourage the Government to prioritize the payment of public sector salaries and the delivery of social protection and basic services to the most vulnerable. I urge Council members and partners, including the international financial institutions, to do their utmost to remain engaged in efforts to mitigate the impact of the current humanitarian pressure on the South Sudanese citizens. For UNMISS, our overriding priority remains preventing a return to conflict and supporting the people and the Government of South Sudan in laying the foundation of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic society for generations to come. As I have said, the time for a collective push by all stakeholders, and especially the transitional Government, is now. We appreciate the efforts all of our partners — including the African Union, the RJMEC, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the troika, the European Union, the members of the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission — for their unwavering support.

I thank Mr. Haysom for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Wosornu. Ms. Wosornu: I thank the members of the Council for the opportunity to brief them on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, a country that continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis driven by what Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom can only be described as a perfect storm of stressors. South Sudan is indeed in the grips of a growing food insecurity crisis, as was just referred to, a climate crisis and an economic crisis, all while suffering the impact of the conflict in the Sudan and dwindling financial support for the humanitarian response. Without immediate action, things will only get even worse in the weeks and months ahead. As we speak, more than 9 million people  — 76 per cent of South Sudan’s population — require humanitarian protection and assistance. Of them, 54 per cent are children and 24 per cent are women. A total of 7.1 million people are acutely food insecure, an increase of approximately 1.5 million people since last year. In addition, 2.5 million children and women are at risk of acute malnutrition, a number projected to reach 2.7 million by December due to the impact of the crisis in the Sudan. Mid-year projections by our food security experts suggest that flooding combined with conflict could result in pockets of famine between June 2024 and January 2025. Worrisomely, we are already seeing the impact of the flooding, as Mr. Haysom also referred to. Heavy rains since May, as well as the calculated release of water from Lake Victoria, have led to increased Nile River levels, with floods so far impacting up to 300,000 people. At the peak of the flood season, anticipated between September and October, flooding could impact up to 3.3 million people. That includes communities yet to recover from the devastating floods that occurred between 2019 and 2022, and which displaced more than 1 million people each year. The flood preparedness and response plan for June to December 2024, developed by the Government of South Sudan and humanitarian partners, seeks to assist 2.4 million people at an estimated cost of $264 million. I am pleased that the Government of South Sudan has already committed $76 million  — 28 per cent of the total amount required — for immediate mitigation and preparedness actions. If the worst effects of the flooding are to be avoided and addressed urgently, support from donors will be critical. South Sudan’s humanitarian plight is also being exacerbated by a deepening economic crisis. This has been largely triggered by the cessation, since February 2024, of most oil exports through the Sudan, following the damage of the pipeline due to the conflict. Between January and July, the South Sudanese pound depreciated by more than 70 per cent, drastically eroding the purchasing power of individuals and households, and making basic commodities unaffordable for many. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, annual inflation reached 97 per cent in June, with unbalanced rises in the cost of staple food items, such as sorghum and wheat flour. This has caused families to reduce the number of meals taken in a day, with, as is often the case, women and children bearing the brunt, eating least and last. Conditions are quite desperate, and some people are having to rely on wild vegetables and desert dates for sustenance. The economic crisis, compounded by new fuel taxes introduced in February, also severely hampered humanitarian operations in April and May before an exemption was granted. Since I last briefed the Council on South Sudan in September 2023 (see S/PV.9420), the impact of the conflict in neighbouring Sudan has continued to worsen. After Chad, South Sudan is the next worst-hit country by the displacement crisis caused by the conflict next door. Almost 780,000 people have fled to South Sudan since the conflict began on 15 April 2023. More than 580,000 of them are South Sudanese returnees. Many are arriving in areas already deprioritized for assistance. They are often malnourished, in poor physical condition and require life-saving assistance. The majority are women and children, many of whom require specialized support from the effects of trauma and gender-based violence. The intensifying conflict in Darfur and eastern Sudan threatens to exacerbate the situation. I am pleased to note that, despite the challenges in South Sudan, the humanitarian community continues to deliver assistance. In the first half of 2024, more than 2.6 million of the 6 million people targeted for humanitarian assistance in the humanitarian response plan received some form of food, livelihood or cash assistance. More than 820,000 people were provided with health-care services. More than 200,000 people received protection services, such as psychosocial counselling and access to safe spaces for women and children. And almost 600,000 people had access to safe water supplies. In addition, since mid-April 2023, more than 210,000 returnees have received support to return to their homes or to relocate to other destinations of their choice. The already desperate situation is being further compounded, however, by humanitarian access constraints, most notably insecurity. As we prepare to mark World Humanitarian Day next week, it is worth reminding the Council that South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous places for humanitarians to operate. In the first half of 2024, 237 humanitarian access incidents were reported. Of these, 111 incidents, or 46 per cent, involved violence against humanitarian personnel and assets. Four humanitarian aid workers have been killed in the line of duty since 2023. In addition, convoys carrying life-saving supplies were subjected to illegal taxation and looting. In 2024 thus far, 30 incidents of looting at humanitarian facilities have been reported, a significant increase, as there were 32 in the whole of 2023. Following the fuel crunch in April and May, critical food drops by the World Food Programme were halted, affecting 144,000 people. The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service’s flight frequency was also halved during that period, hindering critical missions by humanitarian actors to some of the most hard-to- reach field locations. Despite all of this, humanitarian actors have been able to deliver assistance, as I said, owing to the generous support of donors. However, underfunding continues to hamper an adequate and timely humanitarian response. In 2024, only $561 million, or 31 per cent of the $1.8 billion needed under the humanitarian response plan for the year, has been received. We are grateful, but we need more. Some service areas are on the verge of failure. The water, sanitation and hygiene and the shelter and non-food item pipelines are projected to collapse this month. The failure of a safe water treatment stock pipeline will leave 1.2 million people without essential water, sanitation and hygiene services ahead of the severe flooding that is predicted. Allocations from the pooled funds managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have kept some essential frontline services afloat: $10 million has been released from the Central Emergency Response Fund, and $26 million from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund. However, more donor support for the humanitarian response is desperately needed. Despite the bleak outlook in South Sudan, there is still a window of opportunity to act. Addressing the humanitarian situation in the country demands immediate, concerted and decisive action on multiple fronts: first, helping South Sudan to achieve political and economic stability; secondly, addressing and mitigating the impacts of the war in the Sudan; and thirdly, taking advantage of the know-how and strong in-country humanitarian capacity to tackle food insecurity, help South Sudan prepare for severe flooding in support of government efforts and support a humanitarian response commensurate with the huge level of need. Every delay does cost lives. The humanitarian shortfalls are not just numbers. They translate into supply lines empty of food, untreated malnutrition and unmet needs for basic shelter and sanitation. Finally, I urge all Member States to reinforce their commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan. The pathway to recovery is through sustained investment in resilience and development. The time to act is now.

I thank Ms. Wosornu for her briefing. I now give the floor to Major General Gituai. Major General Gituai: I congratulate you, Mr. President, and the Republic of Sierra Leone, for assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. I also thank you for inviting the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission to address the Security Council. The reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) is the official oversight body responsible for overseeing, monitoring and evaluating the status of the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Next month, South Sudan marks six years since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, its longest period of relative peace and stability since independence in 2011. However, since then, the pace of implementation has been slow. Despite the extension of the transition period for 24 months, key tasks such as the completion of the unification of forces, making of the parliament constitution and various election-related preparatory tasks are still outstanding. My briefing today builds on previous R-JMEC reports to the Council, and we therefore highlight our assessment of the status of the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement. In terms of governance, the executive and legislature have continued to convene regularly, and to discharge their respective mandates at the national and State levels. In preparation for elections, the Political Parties Council adopted a code of conduct and registered 29 political parties, but concerns exist regarding the procedures followed and the registration fees. The National Elections Commission has reconstituted the state-level high committees, but there are still concerns about criteria used and gender representation. With regard to the prospects of elections, an inter-party committee reviewed the implementation of the road map and submitted its report to the principals who met yesterday, 13 August. In response, the parties to the Agreement, by consensus, have tasked the relevant institutions and the inter-party committee with developing a realistic timetable for elections. It is expected that the timetable will be accompanied by a budget and guaranteed funding. In terms of the transition security arrangements, the permanent ceasefire continues to hold, which is commendable. Apparently, approximately 55,000 of the 83,000 phase-one Unified Forces were trained and graduated. Since then, eight battalions of the army components have been deployed, with the remainder still not yet deployed. In addition, 2,995 non-commissioned police officers of the Unified Forces were recently appointed to the South Sudan National Police Service and await deployment. Phase-two training of the Unified Forces and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process have yet to commence. Regarding the ongoing Nairobi talks, also known as the Tumaini initiative, the parties to the Revitalized Agreement have directed that outcomes should align with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. As to humanitarian affairs, the situation in the country remains challenged by the food insecurity, flooding and the influx of refugees and returnees from the Sudan. Importantly, the special reconstruction fund provided for in the Agreement and intended to mobilize resources to support humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in South Sudan has not yet been established. The reforms for resource, economic and financial management continue, albeit at a slow pace. On the other hand, the economic situation continues to worsen, compounded by a reduction in oil revenue. Much of the population is in distress due to rising commodity prices, the declining value of the South Sudan pound and reduced purchasing power. The bills for the establishment of the commission for truth, reconciliation and healing and the compensation and reparation authority are still in Parliament. Those institutions are intended to drive forward the much- needed process for reconciliation and healing in South Sudan. In terms of the permanent constitution-making process, the National Constitutional Review Commission has made strides to enhance its internal readiness. However, key tasks, which include civil education and public consultation, have not substantively begun. The main challenges to the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement include insufficient political will, a trust deficit among the parties, capacity gaps and persistent levels of intercommunal violence in the states. Furthermore, all the institutions and mechanisms established under the Agreement have insufficient and unpredictable funding, which is hampering their work. Nonetheless, the Revitalized Agreement has contributed to relative peace, inclusive governance structures and the ongoing legal, security and economic reforms. It is evident that the Revitalized Agreement remains the most viable blueprint and transformative framework for achieving enduring peace and prosperity in South Sudan. I therefore appeal to the Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan and to encourage the international community to mobilize resources and political support for the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

I thank Major General Gituai for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Let me start by thanking Special Representative Haysom for his comprehensive briefing today and for his leadership every single day. I also thank Director Wosornu for her briefing and Major General Gituai for his briefing as well. The United States is deeply grateful for the courageous dedication of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) military, police and civilian personnel, who are working to protect the people of South Sudan and advance an inclusive political process for all. It is long past time the people of South Sudan experience the peace, security and freedom that they have so long demanded, that they fought for and that they so deserve. And so it is critical that South Sudan’s leaders and parties engage in urgent dialogue and bring the transitional period, started in 2011, finally to an end through peaceful and legitimate elections. We have seen steps in the right direction to that end. That includes the Kenyan-led Tumaini initiative, which has mediated talks between the transitional Government and non-signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The United States calls on other regional and international partners to provide more robust support to that effort. We also recognize and commend UNMISS, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development on their ongoing efforts to help South Sudan ensure transparency, fairness and inclusivity in its electoral process. And of course, free and fair elections are not just about what happens on election day; they require open civic and political spaces, every single day, allowing all to meaningfully take part in democracy. For that reason, the United States, along with many other diplomatic missions, is deeply concerned that, if passed into law, provisions of the National Security Service Act will threaten to further erode the country’s political and civic environment. By allowing arrest without warrant, the National Security Service Act would curtail the freedom of expression. And we urge the transitional Government to reconsider. What is more, we are alarmed that, over the past five months, the transitional Government has imposed taxes and fees on United Nations, humanitarian and diplomatic cargoes, significantly impacting humanitarian and peacekeeping operations because of the difficulties in importing fuel into South Sudan. According to the Secretary-General’s 29 July report (S/2024/572), those imposed taxes and fees have forced the World Food Programme to reduce United Nations Humanitarian Air Service flights by half, have halted humanitarian air drops that reach 145,000 people and have delayed the pre-positioning of humanitarian supplies ahead of the rainy season. Today over 8 million people suffer from acute food insecurity in South Sudan — a number that threatens to rise as even more Sudanese refugees flee south. The sheer scale of suffering demands a response equal in magnitude. That being so, the United States calls on the transitional Government to urgently establish a clear and consistent system for providing exemptions from taxes, duties and fees imposed on UNMISS, United Nations specialized agencies, diplomatic missions and international donors and their contractors, grantees and implementing partners in South Sudan so that they can get on with the business of assisting the people of South Sudan at this most difficult time. Those are people for whom the Government is responsible and has neglected. Of course, ceasing taxes and fees that impede the delivery of aid is necessary, but alone is not sufficient. We urge the transitional Government to not only reduce the cost of, but also reduce the risk to, life-saving assistance and protection, and ensure unrestricted freedom of movement for UNMISS personnel and humanitarians delivering aid. The United States reminds the transitional Government that the status-of-forces agreement between South Sudan and UNMISS grants the Mission unrestricted freedom of movement, and the transitional Government has a responsibility to comply with it. Violations of the status-of-forces agreement threaten the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers and are an issue of grave concern to the Council. Finally, we have seen an alarming increase in violence against civilians in South Sudan. The first quarter of 2024 saw nearly 1,000 civilians subject to killings, injuries, abductions and sexual violence — that is 24 per cent more than at the same time last year. We urgently call upon the transitional Government to ensure the protection of its civilians. With both potential elections and the rainy season on the horizon, South Sudan is at a critical crossroads. The transitional Government has the opportunity to choose the path of peace and prosperity over fear and desperation. We urge it to make the right choice.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely, Algeria, Sierra Leone and my own country, Mozambique, as well as Guyana (A3+). We express our deep appreciation for the insightful briefings presented by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Mr. Nicholas Haysom; the Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Ms. Edem Wosornu; and the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Major General Charles Tai Gituai. We take note of the advisory opinion of the Peacebuilding Commission. We wish to welcome the participation of Her Excellency the Permanent Representative of South Sudan in this meeting. Since our most recent meeting in April (see S/PV.9611), the political dynamics in South Sudan have continued to be shaped around the prospect of elections. For the first time in its history, South Sudan is preparing to carry out that sovereign exercise, a milestone in its journey towards consolidating the rule of law and democracy. We have been registering some positive steps towards that endeavour, particularly in operationalizing the technical electoral bodies, such as the formation of State high election bodies and implementing the transitional arrangements. The agreement to commence the training of the second batch of the necessary unified forces is also a commendable development. It reflects the commitment of relevant parties to address critical issues of the transitional arrangements. With the announcement of elections for 22 December, we believe it is of the utmost urgency that parties redouble their efforts in the implementation of the transition road map and engage in inclusive discussions to build consensus on practical and realistic steps to hold elections as scheduled. We note, in that regard, the engagements in the framework of the Tumaini initiative. We encourage the transitional Government to continue that inclusive approach. The A3+ urges all stakeholders to approach the dialogue in a constructive spirit, prioritizing the interest of the South Sudanese people. Those engagements are critical to create a peaceful electoral environment and prevent the escalation of hostilities. In addition, we stress the need of continued support from the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Such support is critical, particularly in strengthening the capacity of the South Sudanese institutions involved in the preparation of elections. The A3+ remains concerned about the persistence of cattle-related intercommunal violence, killings and abductions, which have continued to impact the security situation in some parts of the country, including Abyei. In that vein, we encourage UNMISS to strengthen its support for the protection of civilians and the mitigation of violence, giving special focus to programmes aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among and between communities. Equally important is the support to humanitarian assistance, taking into account that more than 7.1 million people are experiencing high levels of famine, as just stressed by Ms. Edem Wosornu here today. That is a sad reality, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, the fragile economic situation and the influx of refugees and returnees from the Sudan. In that regard, the A3+ concurs with the advisory opinion of the Peacebuilding Commission, which encourages the South Sudanese authorities to work in close partnership with all actors to tackle the underlying root causes of the serious economic situation in the country. We also underline the urgency of scaling up humanitarian funding to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. We further encourage continued work to address the challenges faced by humanitarian workers. The A3+ would like to reiterate its full support to UNMISS for its dedication to the peace and stability of South Sudan. Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and Mozambique stand firmly in solidarity with the people of South Sudan. We renew our commitment to continue to support that young nation to overcome its challenges and thrive in the international community.

I thank Mr. Haysom, Ms. Wosornu and Major General Gituai for their insightful briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting. Japan would like to thank all United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) personnel for their service in protecting civilians and mitigating violence in a challenging environment. As a troop-contributing country, we are committed to our continued deployment to UNMISS. Concerning the current situation in South Sudan, I would like to make four points. First, holding elections will be an important milestone in South Sudan’s transition process. Japan therefore hopes that preparations for the elections will be appropriately conducted. In that regard, Japan notes with concern the report by the Secretary-General (S/2024/572), which observes that preparations for the elections have been delayed considerably and that the critical mass of key benchmarks set out in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan has not yet been realized. Japan urges the transitional Government of South Sudan and all parties to the Revitalized Agreement to intensify their efforts to advance the implementation of the requirements they identified as critical for a democratic and successful end of the transitional period. In addition, Japan calls on the parties to engage with each other to reach an agreement on the procedures and timeline for free, fair and credible elections. Secondly, the humanitarian situation has worsened due to prolonged intercommunal violence and the impact of the conflict in the Sudan. Although the need for humanitarian assistance is increasing, the resources that the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies can rely on are shrinking due to insufficient funding. Poor infrastructure in South Sudan also hampers aid distribution. Moreover, we are worried that conditions may further deteriorate in the coming months if there is large-scale flooding. Japan therefore calls on the transitional Government to strengthen its efforts to remove obstacles to humanitarian activities, including by ensuring greater freedom of movement for aid workers and resolving the issue of taxation on humanitarian assistance, despite the explicit exemption provided by South Sudanese legislation. Thirdly, we should not forget external factors impacting South Sudan, including the continuing conflict in the Sudan and the increasing damage of climate change-induced natural disasters. It is important for the international community to build up South Sudan’s capacity to cope with the influx of returnees, refugees and asylum seekers from the Sudan, in cooperation with international humanitarian actors. Fourthly, Japan remains appreciative of the continuous efforts made by Kenya under the Tumaini initiative, as well as the roles of UNMISS, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union under the trilateral configuration. We reiterate our strong commitment to the people of South Sudan and their aspirations for peace and prosperity through the completion of the process set out in the Revitalized Agreement.

I would like to join my colleagues in thanking the three briefers for their insightful presentations. I would also like to thank the Peacebuilding Commission for its written advice and continued engagement, and welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan. As we heard today, according to the road map, the South Sudanese will go to the polls in five months to make important decisions about the future of their country. We recognize that the organization of elections is a South Sudanese process, and we encourage the authorities and parties to intensify efforts to advance that process. Time is running out. I would like to reiterate three priorities in that regard. First, consensus must be reached on the way forward on the electoral road map. We echo the joint press release issued last month by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which reiterates calls, including within the Council, for constructive dialogue between the parties. For the forthcoming elections to be credible and peaceful, two elements remain fundamental: a free and safe civic and political space and the participation of women, including their minimum representation level of 35 per cent, as prescribed by the peace agreement. With regard to the transition in general, we hope that the discussions under way with non-signatory groups, as part of the Tumaini initiative, can be consolidated within the framework of the peace agreement, as they complement ongoing efforts to forge a common vision for the future of South Sudan. Secondly, it is essential to establish a safe and secure environment. The success of the transition and the holding of elections depend on the full implementation of the transitional security arrangements. However, the developments in recent months remain concerning, as we heard today. Widespread attacks against the civilian population, particularly in the context of subnational violence, persist throughout the country, as indicated by the UNMISS Human Rights Division in its latest update. In addition, we are concerned about reports of an increasing number of abductions in Central Equatoria. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and human rights. We commend the efforts of UNMISS to protect civilians, as well as the ongoing engagement between the Mission and the Government to respect the status-of-forces agreement. Thirdly, it is imperative that efforts to address humanitarian and protection needs continue. Those needs are ever increasing constantly, which is deeply worrisome. The country is marked by persistent violence, the impact of the conflict in the Sudan and an increasingly precarious economic situation. A growing portion of the population is affected by food insecurity, exacerbated by the effects of climate change. In addition to atypical droughts and rising temperatures, South Sudan is already severely affected by flood- related disasters, which are expected to continue this year and affect millions of people. We welcome the Mission’s support of prevention and preparedness efforts and underline the importance of analytical capabilities in the assessment of climate change-related risks for United Nations missions. At the Arria Formula meeting organized by Switzerland in May, the UNMISS Force Commander illustrated concretely how new technologies could improve the implementation of the Mission’s mandate in that respect. I would like to reiterate our full support for UNMISS and the Trilateral Taskforce on Permanent Constitution-Making and Electoral Processes Support to South Sudan, whose continued support for South Sudan on this complex path is essential. We also reaffirm Switzerland’s firm commitment to the Government and the people of South Sudan in their efforts to achieve democratic, legitimate governance and lasting peace.

I thank Mr. Haysom, Ms. Wosornu and Major General Gituai for the important information they have provided the Council. I also acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan at today’s meeting. Although the scheduled general elections in South Sudan are only five months away, challenges to ensuring a free and fair electoral process persist. That is why the Juba and Tumaini high-level initiatives, as well as the joint efforts of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to make progress on broadening dialogues, defining the type of elections, the constitution-making process and a security plan for the elections, are essential in this complex process. Steps have been taken to ensure that the electoral institutions are functions, but restrictions on political freedoms, the lack of adequate resources and security constraints continue to be barriers to this process. It is imperative to redouble efforts to meet these critical requirements and ensure that the will of the people is duly represented. It is also crucial to move forward in an inclusive manner, with the full, equal, safe and meaningful participation of women and other segments of the population. The humanitarian situation, as we heard today, remains critical, with more than 2 million people internally displaced and a similar number of refugees in neighbouring countries. The recent arrival of more than half a million refugees and returnees due to the conflict in the Sudan has exacerbated the crisis, generating further tensions and straining the country’s already limited humanitarian response capacity. In that context, the Government’s decision to reverse the imposition of taxes affecting humanitarian work is positive. However, there are still reports of restrictions on humanitarian access and allegations of violence against staff, which is particularly reprehensible. We urge the Government to intensify its efforts to remove all barriers and ensure the safety and unrestricted access of humanitarian aid and personnel, in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and the resolutions of the Council, particularly resolution 2730 (2024). Despite UNMISS efforts to mediate with local authorities, human rights violations persist, including killings, abductions, arbitrary arrests, sexual and gender-based violence and extrajudicial killings, thus undermining peace efforts. In that context, UNMISS must continue its work by implementing training and awareness programmes that prevent such violations and promote a safe and just environment for all citizens, especially women and girls, in close collaboration with the Government of South Sudan. My delegation appreciates and takes note of the Peacebuilding Commission’s advice to the Security Council on UNMISS. Its recommendations serve as a critical guide in the search for lasting peace in South Sudan. For my delegation, the inextricable link between peace and development is clear. In conclusion, I reiterate that the challenges facing South Sudan demand our collective commitment and unwavering determination to promote lasting peace and stability in the country and the region. The work of UNMISS has been instrumental in that effort, and my delegation therefore reiterates its full support for its important work.

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom, Director Wosornu and Major General Gituai for their briefings. We also welcome the Permanent Representative of South Sudan to this meeting. Malta reaffirms its support to South Sudan and its people as they embark on a historic journey towards the first elections in the country in December. We urge the South Sudanese authorities to continue working on the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, particularly the conditions for the peaceful conduct of free, fair and credible elections. We call on the parties to engage, in mutual respect and trust, on the procedures required and to ensure that key stakeholders on the electoral process are consulted. We welcome the recent funding disbursed for the operationalization of the National Elections Commission and encourage further progress in identifying adequate infrastructure and facilities for elections. In that vein, we urge all political parties to ensure the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in constitutional, legislative, judicial and electoral processes. Women’s participation and leadership must be recognized, facilitated and empowered as candidates, voters and observers. An inclusive civic and political space, free from arrests and detentions without warrants, is a prerequisite for sustainable peace. We welcome capacity-building workshops, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), targeting a wide range of stakeholders — from women leaders and civil society organization representatives to senior officials serving under the National Elections Commission. We also acknowledge the support offered by the trilateral African Union-Intergovernmental Authority on Development-UNMISS configuration, as well as regional and partner countries. The European Union is also assisting, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, in creating an enabling environment for elections. Those political developments should be complemented by progress in the consolidation of the necessary unified forces. We underline their timely and inclusive deployment prior to the electoral period. Malta is deeply concerned about intercommunal violence in South Sudan, further complicated by the impacts from the Sudan’s conflict and high levels of acute food insecurity affecting close to 57 per cent of the population. Malnutrition among returnee and refugee children has spiked above the emergency threshold. As we heard today from our briefers, with flooding expected to be the worst in 60 years and with 3.3 million people projected to be impacted, climate-related security risks cannot be more severe. Malta continues to support the Mission’s mandate in integrating gender- responsive climate security analysis in its responses and preparedness plans. We condemn the stark increase in incidents of violence against humanitarian personnel in a context of increasing humanitarian needs. Humanitarian workers must never be a target, and those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. We are seriously alarmed by the increasing number of grave violations committed against children, especially the recruitment and use of children and incidents of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. We strongly deplore these heinous crimes. The military use of schools is also unacceptable. We welcome the evacuation of two schools in Lakes and Western Equatoria states, following intense advocacy by UNMISS. The work of child protection advisers remains integral to these and other efforts. We insist that perpetrators of sexual- and gender- based violence be held accountable. We call for the operationalization of the Joint Implementation Committee in support of the Action Plan for the Armed Forces on Addressing Conflict-related Sexual Violence in South Sudan. On a positive note, we commend the work carried out by the mobile court in Mayom county, with all seven cases resulting in convictions. This marks the first time, since 2011, that the formal justice system has adjudicated criminal cases in South Sudan. We also welcome that free legal representation and psychosocial support was provided to the survivors. In conclusion, Malta reiterates its support for the important work carried out by UNMISS throughout the country. While acknowledging the reversal of taxes and fees on select operations, we call for continued cooperation from South Sudan in upholding the status- of-forces agreement and other obligations. We stand together in the country’s collective pursuit of peace and security.

We thank Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as well as Ms. Edem Wosornu, representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, for the information they have shared with us. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting. Overall, in recent years, despite all the challenges, the authorities of the Republic of South Sudan have achieved relative stabilization and progress in State-building and in addressing issues of security. We trust that the process of creating a unified armed forces will be implemented at a more vigorous pace so as to guarantee further progress for the peace process and the holding of general elections at the end of 2024. That will require active efforts by Juba, as well as a more constructive mindset on the part of representatives of opposition forces and movements. The authorities of South Sudan are not idle. They are working assiduously to prepare for the elections. Those efforts are also noted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2024/572). Despite the difficult economic situation in the country, the institutions responsible for overseeing the electoral process have begun to receive funding, and regional offices of the National Elections Commission have opened in every State. We also noted that, notwithstanding the protests of a number of dissenting political forces, the National Elections Commission declared that 22 December 2024 would be the elections day. We believe that this decision is a clear manifestation of the political will that some Council members reproached Juba for lacking. We hope that the South Sudanese people will be able to reach consensus on this issue, which is particularly important for State-building in the Republic of South Sudan. Ultimately, the issue of holding elections in the country is the sovereign affair of South Sudan itself. Under the current circumstances, the Security Council needs to support the efforts of the authorities of South Sudan to advance the political process and understand the difficulties the country is facing given its young State institutions. It is crucial to support any solution that is agreeable to the South Sudanese people. Of course, that solution must be inclusive and supported by the majority of the population. We welcome the ongoing negotiation process in Kenya with the representatives of the South Sudanese opposition who are not signatories to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. We also commend the mediation efforts of the African Union and member States of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. We support international steps to stabilize the situation in South Sudan, strengthen peace and security and assist UNMISS in its efforts to implement specific provisions of the Revitalized Agreement. We share the concerns voiced regarding the humanitarian situation in South Sudan. The country is being adversely affected by the conflict in the neighbouring Sudan. South Sudan is taking in hundreds of thousands of refugees, primarily South Sudanese people who are returning home. That has already significantly exacerbated the current difficult situation in the northern states and has become a serious challenge for Juba. The leadership of South Sudan has been fairly successful in responding to human rights challenges, curbing inter-ethnic clashes and shielding women and children from violence. Although these problems are still significant, we believe that they are not the cause, but the consequence of the unfinished political process, which the Council should fully support. We believe that it is of the utmost importance to implement all the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and to fully comply with the time frame regulations set forth in the road map. We strongly condemn any violations of the Agreement, as well as any acts of violence against civilians, including humanitarians working in South Sudan. Russia has consistently supported the work of UNMISS in South Sudan. The Mission is making a substantive contribution to stabilizing the situation and further implementing all the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement.

I thank Special Representative Haysom, Director Wosornu and Major General Gituai for their briefings, and I welcome the presence of the representative of South Sudan at today’s meeting. South Sudan is at a critical stage in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and promoting the political transition. The international community should provide constructive support for the peaceful development of South Sudan. In that regard, China wishes to stress several points. First, we need to support South Sudan in steadily advancing the political transition. As the youngest member of the United Nations, South Sudan has been making great efforts to promote the political transition and maintain national stability. China welcomes South Sudan’s announcement to hold general elections in December and supports the country’s efforts to capitalize on this opportunity to advance durable peace. The international community should support South Sudan in better implementing the Revitalized Agreement, encourage all parties to engage in political dialogue, strength unity and mutual trust and garner more political consensus from the general elections. Attention should be paid to the country’s challenges, such as financing elections, and additional resources should be provided for the functioning of key institutions, such as the National Elections Commission and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, and the deployment of the necessary unified forces. It should be noted that South Sudan has its own unique national conditions and realities. The people of South Sudan have the right to determine their country’s destiny. The international community should earnestly respect South Sudan’s sovereignty and ownership in the political transition and refrain from applying interventionist pressure or imposing external standards. Secondly, we need to address security challenges such as intercommunal conflicts. China is highly concerned about the recent deterioration of the security situation in some states of South Sudan, the tensions between local communities and defence forces and the rise of violent intercommunal conflict over agricultural and pastoral resources. We support the Government of South Sudan’s efforts to engage in dialogue with the relevant communities, as well as in intercommunal dialogue, with a view to reaching lasting solutions to land, pasture and transhumance disputes and expeditiously achieving peace and reconciliation. The international community and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) should continue to support the Government of South Sudan in strengthening capacity-building in the field of security, advancing security sector reform and effectively enhancing its capacity to protect civilians. The international community should closely follow the impact of the conflict in the Sudan on the security situation in South Sudan. It must help South Sudan curb the cross-border flow of armed elements, crack down on cross-border crimes and the illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons and maintain security and stability in South Sudan. Thirdly, we need to help South Sudan overcome the economic and humanitarian crisis. South Sudan is a young country with a weak economic foundation. As a result of the conflict in the Sudan, South Sudan’s oil exports have been interrupted, the Government revenue has been severely reduced and more than 700,000 refugees have come into South Sudan, thus aggravating the country’s economic and humanitarian crisis. The World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and other development partners, as well as traditional donors, should provide greater support to South Sudan with regard to livelihood security and economic development, and they should help South Sudan stabilize its economy and the people’s livelihoods. The international community should take seriously the severe challenges posed by insufficient humanitarian response funds in South Sudan, step up humanitarian assistance and meet the humanitarian needs of South Sudan. China recognizes the tremendous work of Special Representative Haysom in leading UNMISS to overcome difficulties. As a major troop-contributing country to UNMISS, China will continue to firmly support the work of UNMISS and to contribute to the peace and prosperity of South Sudan.

I too want to thank the three briefers  — Special Representative Haysom, Director Wosornu and Major General Gituai  — for their briefings and their continuous commitment to supporting South Sudan under increasingly challenging conditions. I also want to welcome the representative of South Sudan to the Chamber. Thirteen years after gaining independence, South Sudan continues to face several challenges. Ensuring peace and stability is fundamentally linked to the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. We emphasize the need for tangible advancements and call upon the transitional Government to take decisive steps towards implementing the road map. Slovenia is ready to stand by South Sudan in its final leg of implementing the Agreement. Given the significant concerns about electoral preparedness and potential risks, Slovenia urges South Sudan to operationalize electoral institutions and key elements for elections. Many critical tasks remain unfinished, including voter registration, the electoral security plan and the permanent constitutional framework. The unification of the national forces remains incomplete. It is imperative to address those gaps without delay. We stress the importance of upholding and safeguarding the freedom of speech and freedom of expression, as well as the right to vote and the right to peaceful assembly. A safe democratic and civic space is a precondition for the full implementation of the peace agreement and the conduct of free and fair elections. We are deeply alarmed by the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan, which places an overwhelming burden on South Sudan’s already limited resources and fragile communities, thus deepening the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, where, as we heard today, 75 per cent of the population depends on humanitarian aid and protection. With historic high-water levels in Lake Victoria, Slovenia echoes alarms about the need to protect more than 3 million people who face the threat of flooding in the coming months, and we welcome the continuous efforts of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to adapt to climate shocks, deliver relief and take into account climate risks while protecting civilians. As we heard today, intercommunal and subnational violence continues to devastate communities, undermine livelihoods and displace individuals from their homes. We are deeply concerned about continuing human rights violations and abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on civilians and grave violations against children. We urge the South Sudanese Government to ensure the protection of civilians, especially women and children. Those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be held accountable. We urge the Government to ensure the safety and security of aid workers and their facilities and to eliminate bureaucratic impediments, making procedures clear, fast and straightforward in order to facilitate the effective delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance to the people of South Sudan. UNMISS has been critical to South Sudan’s stabilization efforts, particularly in supporting the electoral process, fostering peace and protecting civilians. We commend the Mission’s technical assistance to electoral bodies, its facilitation of dialogue among political factions and its engagement in community violence reduction. The Mission’s commitment to reconciliation at local levels, to human rights, to the rule of law and to humanitarian support reflects a comprehensive approach. However, ongoing violations of the status-of-forces agreement continue to be concerning and hinder the Mission’s ability to fully carry out its mandate. We call on the transitional Government to address violations of the status-of-forces agreement so as to ensure that UNMISS can operate without impediment and fulfil its mission. With only a few months remaining in South Sudan’s extended transitional period, it is crucial for leaders to finalize agreements that ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral process. The partners and friends of South Sudan, especially the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, urge for consensus on the way forward and clarity on the electoral road map and stress the importance of national ownership and leadership. We support those calls and strongly encourage a renewed sense of urgency in addressing outstanding tasks and demonstrating commitment to the timelines outlined in the road map.

Let me begin by thanking Special Representative Haysom, Ms. Wosornu and Major General Gituai for their important update, as well as for the tireless work of their teams in the face of a very challenging operating environment. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of South Sudan. As we heard today, the picture in South Sudan remains precarious. Since its independence, the country has been plagued by appalling violence. Now is the moment for the South Sudanese authorities to demonstrate the necessary political will to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges and realize a more stable future. I would like to focus my remarks today on three points. First, the United Kingdom calls on the Government of South Sudan to take the necessary steps to deliver peaceful, credible and inclusive elections. While we recognize that some progress has been made with the partial funding of key institutions, we remain concerned that the necessary preparations for elections on 22 December remain behind schedule. We urge the Government to fully disburse the necessary resources to enable crucial preparatory work to get under way. We also call upon the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan to engage in political dialogue in order to reach a consensus to deliver elections. That includes making decisions on voter registration, the type of elections that are to be called and progress on the deployment of the necessary unified forces. Secondly, civic and political space are cornerstones of any functioning democracy and must be respected. The United Kingdom remains concerned about reports of threats and intimidation of political activists, journalists and human rights defenders. We are particularly troubled by the passing into law of the new national security service bill, which allows the security services to arrest individuals without a warrant. We call on the Government of South Sudan to act in accordance with its constitutional commitment to respect human rights. Thirdly, we recognize that three quarters of the population of South Sudan is suffering from a protracted humanitarian crisis, deepened by conflict, climate and economic shocks. We urge partners to work together to support the most vulnerable and for the Government of South Sudan to ensure an environment conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the prevention of attacks on aid workers. In conclusion, while the challenges ahead are significant, they are surmountable. With the right political will and courage, South Sudan can take an important step towards a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.

I thank Special Representative Nicholas Haysom, Director Edem Wosornu and Major General Gituai for their briefings. I also welcome the presence of the representative of South Sudan in the Chamber. I would like to draw the Council’s attention to several points. First, on a political level, France is concerned about the delays in elections preparation, particularly in the creation of the electoral register. France encourages the South Sudanese authorities to clarify the modalities of the elections and to intensify their efforts to guarantee the holding of free, fair, safe and transparent elections in a timely manner. We welcome the considerable support provided by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme, in the election preparations. Improving the political situation also requires enhanced dialogue with all stakeholders. France salutes the regional efforts made to preserve and consolidate the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, in particular the Nairobi talks held in May through the Tumaini initiative. France encourages all parties to join this new forum for dialogue, which complements the 2018 Agreement. We reiterate the importance of ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in that process. I would also like to thank the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for their ongoing support for the political transition in South Sudan. Close collaboration between the United Nations and the South Sudanese authorities is essential, especially as the level of insecurity and communal violence remains alarming. UNMISS plays an essential role in protecting civilians’, and we are particularly concerned about by the increase in violence against civilians, including sexual violence. As this situation could worsen in the run-up to the elections, the security support provided by UNMISS, in liaison with the South Sudanese authorities, is more essential than ever. In that context, France notes with concern the persistence of administrative obstacles hindering the work of United Nations personnel. These obstacles undermine essential activities on which many Southern Sudanese depend. The introduction of new taxes, notably on fuel purchases by United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations, is unacceptable. Such measures run counter to international law, the status- of-forces agreement and the principles of collaboration between South Sudan and the United Nations. Finally, I note that the safety of humanitarian personnel must be guaranteed. Joint efforts will be crucial in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in the Sudan on South Sudan. Given the urgency of the situation, we must fully mobilize. France sought to provide an adequate response to the situation by organizing an international conference in Paris on 15 April, which raised over €2 billion, including €900 million from the European Union and its member States, for humanitarian efforts in the Sudan and neighbouring countries. We are counting on the South Sudanese authorities to support humanitarian operations and to continue working closely with the United Nations and civil society organizations.

I would like to extend my appreciation to Special Representative Haysom, Director Wosornu and Major General Gituai for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan and appreciate the advisory note of the Peacebuilding Commission. At the outset, the Republic of Korea would like to reaffirm its unwavering support for the work of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and its engagement with the transitional Government in political, economic and humanitarian efforts. With its first elections five months away, it is crucial that a conducive environment that can serve as a stepping stone towards sustainable peace is created in South Sudan. In that regard, I would like to make three points. First, on election preparations, we welcome some progress made towards the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, including efforts to operationalize key electoral and political institutions. Korea reiterates its support for an election owned and led by the South Sudanese people. For that to occur, it is crucial that the transitional Government and all parties to the Agreement expedite and fully implement its key benchmarks. While it is encouraging that political dialogue is under way, we urge all parties to continue engaging in discussions, including the Tumaini initiative and the High-level Standing Committee, to reach an agreement on the electoral timeline and the way forward. Secondly, on the political and security situation, the persistence of intercommunal violence raises concerns, as it can have negative implications for the upcoming elections. We encourage UNMISS to continue its efforts to protect civilians and de-escalate tensions by facilitating peace dialogues and engaging all relevant actors, including women and youth. We also urge the Government of South Sudan to support UNMISS in implementing its mandate by ensuring its freedom of movement. We are also alarmed by the recent passage of the National Security Act (Amendment) Bill, which should align with the Government’s commitments to protecting human rights and the freedom of expression. Ensuring political and civic space is integral to free, fair, credible and peaceful elections. Finally, on the humanitarian situation. We are deeply concerned about the impacts of climate-related shocks, including the floods expected in the upcoming months. That will further aggravate the already severe food insecurity and displacement in South Sudan, along with the ongoing economic crisis and the refugees and returnees from the Sudan. We welcome cooperation between UNMISS and South Sudan Government officials on flood preparedness. The Korean company Hanbit Engineering has also joined in those efforts by installing and maintaining a drainage system around the camps for internally displaced persons in Bor. To facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, it is important that all undue barriers, including taxes, be removed and that United Nations and humanitarian personnel be ensured unhindered access and protection from any attack. South Sudan is a young nation at a pivotal moment in its history as it approaches its first nationwide elections. The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting South Sudan’s Government and its people and collaborating with the international community to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process that will lead to sustainable peace and development in South Sudan.

I now give the floor to the representative of South Sudan.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. I assure you of my delegation’s full support and cooperation. I would also like to greet all the members of the Security Council in the Chamber; Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), whom I hope is having a great time in Juba; Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, whom I also hope is well in Juba; as well as the Director from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. I am grateful for all the briefings, which have been helpful and supporting for us. The Government of South Sudan acknowledges the Security Council briefing on the situation in our nation and the Secretary-General’s most recent 90-day report on UNMISS (S/2024/572). We express our deep appreciation for the continued support of UNMISS and the international community in our journey towards peace and stability. South Sudan remains steadfast in its commitment to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan and the road map that extended our transition period. While we have made significant strides, including the allocation of funds to the National Elections Commission, the Political Parties Council and the National Constitutional Review Commission, we recognize that benchmarks for holding the elections still need to be fully met. We are working diligently to address those challenges and reiterate our dedication to ensuring a smooth and inclusive electoral process. Yesterday the presidency of the Republic of South Sudan, led by the President of the Republic, reviewed the implementation of the peace agreement and resolved to seek advice from the electoral Elections Commission on the feasibility of conducting the upcoming elections on a technical front. We also reaffirm our commitment to ongoing efforts, such as the Tumaini initiative, which are crucial in bringing all stakeholders together. We are grateful to the United States for funding the process and call on the international community to continue supporting a comprehensive and unified approach that will foster lasting peace and unity in South Sudan, in conjunction with the ongoing peace process in the country. The humanitarian situation is of grave concern to us. With millions of our people facing severe food insecurity due to the severe flooding in the past four years and the added strain of incoming refugees and returnees from the Sudan, the challenges are immense. We urgently appeal for increased humanitarian assistance and funding, especially in anticipation of the floods expected later this year — which have actually started already. The cooperation and support of the international community and partners are essential to address those pressing needs. On the security front, we are committed to reducing intercommunal violence, ensuring the protection of civilians and upholding accountability for conflict- related sexual violence. We are working closely with UNMISS to maintain security and stability across the nation, and we are grateful for the ongoing efforts in that regard. The economic challenges facing South Sudan, which are exacerbated by the conflict in the Sudan, are significant. Disruption to oil exports and rising prices have strained our economy, but we are taking steps to raise non-oil revenues and stabilize the situation. We seek continued international cooperation and understanding as we navigate those difficulties. As the sun rises after the darkest night, so too will our nation emerge stronger from the trials we are going through. In conclusion, the Government of South Sudan reaffirms its commitment to achieving lasting peace, security and prosperity for all the people. We call on the international community to continue supporting our efforts. Together we can overcome the challenges before us. We are grateful to the region, which has been with us, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union, as well as to the Security Council.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.