YouSaid · the spoken record

Johnson

lines on the record: 160
first: 1999-09-29
most recent: 2017-04-28
sittings or episodes: 14
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Members of the new Cabinet, with more technocratic ministers in key positions, have shown commitment to reform and are determined to improve performance and service delivery. Last month, an executive order was issued pardoning key opposition leaders, including Lam Akol, chairman of the largest opposition party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change. Akol has since returned to Juba from his self-imposed exile and was accorded a State welcome. He is giving public statements on political issues, including the need for constitutional review and timely elections. These trends are promising signs in the light of approaching key transitional political milestones for South Sudan's progress. These include the constitutional review process and national elections.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“With UNMISS support, the authorities also continue to address cases of prolonged and arbitrary detention. Following extensive consultations with authorities and civil society at the national and state levels, the draft national security policy is now under review by the presidency, and it is expected to be adopted by the National Legislative Assembly before the end of the year. Let me now finally move to the political situation in the country. Despite initial concerns over the risk of instability following President Kiir's decision to dismiss his Cabinet and restructure the Government on 23 July, a smooth transition took place within both the executive and the legislative branches of Government following these changes.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“The Government, supported by UNMISS, has also completed the registration and screening of the South Sudan National Police Service, which verified the existence of 35,633 police officers after weeding out more than 16,000 "ghost officers", with an additional 11,000 whose status needs clarification. That has resulted in savings of approximately 160 million South Sudanese pounds, to be re-allocated to the police for infrastructure and training. The Mission is supporting the transformation process at all levels. Following the example of the police, the National Prison Service is also undertaking a similar registration and screening of its personnel. Elsewhere, UNMISS training of senior SPLA officers on command responsibility and military justice processes has intensified.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“The Minister also promised that ill-disciplined members of the security forces would be held accountable for violating those directives. UNMISS will closely monitor the implementation of those commitments. Key to a durable solution to such problems, however, is security sector reform and the transformation of the armed forces. I am pleased to report that the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) continues to make progress on its transformation. With UNMISS support, the SSNPS has undertaken a comprehensive institutional needs assessment to identify institutional gaps and to determine the way forward for police transformation. The recommendations for major reform measures have been endorsed by the Council of Ministers and all governors, and have galvanized donor support.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“Thanks to our collective pressure and the engagement of the Security Council, violations of the status-of-forces agreement and the security of United Nations and diplomatic staff were addressed by the Council of Ministers. The President instructed the Ministers of Defence, National Security and the Interior to issue clear orders to the security forces to respect the violations of the status-of-forces agreement and the diplomatic immunity of the United Nations and the international community. Written orders to the SPLA and the police were issued last week. The Minister of Defence has reiterated the regulation to all SPLA members that off-duty personnel are not allowed to wear uniforms or carry weapons, which must be kept in safe storage.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“The Council has already received a more detailed briefing from the Secretariat on that issue on 6 November. In the past six months, a total of 67 violations of the status- of-forces agreement have been recorded, including threats, assaults, arrests and the detention of United Nations personnel, mostly in and around Juba. That is unacceptable. During a briefing to the new Cabinet a fortnight ago, I expressed grave concern over that worrying trend. I urged the Government to take immediate and concrete action to bring to an end those incidents and to hold perpetrators to account. Separately, I also raised such issues directly with President Kiir, who expressed dismay at the reports of abuse and harassment of United Nations and diplomatic personnel.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“That includes conducting human rights training for security forces and other national stakeholders and exploring new ways to galvanize the security forces to take on their responsibilities to protect civilians. The Mission is also providing technical assistance to strengthen the legal framework for the promotion and protection of human rights. In his recent reports to the Council, the Secretary- General has repeatedly raised his concerns about continued violations of the status-of -f0rces agreement in South Sudan, particularly with regard to incidents involving staff members. The most serious incidents have been reported to the Council. The recent security incidents involving United Nations personnel, especially in Juba, are of deep concern. The diplomatic community and ordinary South Sudanese citizens themselves are also affected.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“Partly as a result of the active engagement of UNMISS and strong political advocacy, the SPLA has ordered several boards of inquiry into allegations of murder in Pibor, Bor, Boma and Manyabol in Jonglei. The responsible commander for the Pibor operations has been arrested and charged. Out of a total of 115 court martial cases for contraventions of the SPLA Act, 92 were convicted. Thirty-nine SPLA officers have been charged with murder or rape. For the first time, the convictions are announced publicly. To support the Government's efforts, UNMISS continues to conduct capacity-building activities in the area of human rights and protection of civilians.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“UNMISS continues to monitor and investigate reports of alleged violations and abuses, and Will increase its public reporting. In addition to the two public human rights reports already issued on Jonglei since 2011, the Mission is currently finalizing a comprehensive report on nine alleged major human rights-related incidents that occurred in J onglei between December 2012 and July 2013. In addition, a report on arbitrary and prolonged detentions, which we Will issue early next year, is under preparation. As noted in the Secretary-General's report, in an encouraging sign, the highest levels of the Government are speaking out publicly about the need to address human rights abuses by members of the armed forces.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“Meanwhile, regarding the significant mobility challenges facing the Mission, it is imperative that force multipliers be identified with requisite capabilities to augment the Mission's early warning and rapid response capability to enable timely access to hotspots. A reconfiguration that increases the presence in high- risk areas makes such needs even more critical and urgent. Allow me to now turn to the performance of South Sudan's security forces. South Sudan continues to face serious challenges in the area of the promotion and protection of human rights. Key issues include prolonged and arbitrary detentions, the excessive use of force and arbitrary killings by ill-disciplined security forces and agencies, and individual incidents of interference with the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“Nevertheless, the critical mobility gaps that continue to face the Mission make timely responses to early warning a significant challenge, even during the dry season. Pursuant to Security Council resolution 2109 (2013), UNMISS has deployed more forces in high-risk areas. As noted in the Secretary-General's report, the Mission and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations are also currently planning to implement the geographical reconfiguration of the Mission's military to focus more of its forces in those areas, while at the same time maintaining the strategic flexibility to respond to emerging threats elsewhere. The reconfiguration will be subject to full consultation with the troop- contributing countries and will be implemented in sequenced phases, subject to periodic review, based on threat assessments and political milestones.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“With the dry season fast approaching, the mobility of both armed groups and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) will increase, creating risks of increased attacks but also opportunities for response. With that in mind, UNMISS has developed a series of contingency plans to address the emerging security threats and protection of civilians needs, especially in the high-risk state of Jonglei, the tri-state areas of Lakes, Unity and Warrap and Upper Nile state. The contingency plans provide for graduated responses to foster a safe and secure environment across the affected areas. Concurrently, UNMISS is utilizing all available assets and measures in areas with a history of violent incidents to prevent recurrences.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“Those attacks, as well as tensions between the Lou Nuer and Anyuak in Akobo and Uror counties and possible retaliations, may lead to further instability in the State. The attacks have made it even more urgent to make concrete progress in the ongoing peace efforts between the Government and the David Yau Yau armed group, which should be complemented by intercommunal reconciliation, to address the underlying causes of conflict. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is supporting those efforts. Additionally, beyond Jonglei, for the first time in more than two years, there have been reports of suspected attacks and abductions by the Lord's Resistance Army in South Sudan, in Western Equatoria state.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“Secondly, however, the situation in parts of Jonglei State continues to be worrying despite intermittent calm during the major part of the rainy season. Thirdly, the behaviour of security forces continues to be a cause for grave concern Whether with regard to human rights abuses and the incidents of violence and harassment affecting United Nations personnel, diplomats and ordinary citizens. Let me start with the two latter concerns and revert to the opportunities last. Despite the relative stability in Jonglei in recent weeks, the vicious cycle of retaliatory violence continues and poses significant risks to the Government's efforts to stabilize Jonglei. The latest deadly attacks occurred on 20 October in Twic East County and resulted in a significant loss oflife.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“Ms. Johnson: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the Secretary-General's report on South Sudan (S/2013/651). The world's youngest nation is still travelling a bumpy road but there are also positive indications that the country can turn the corner. I will talk about three important trends that have emerged since my last briefing to the Council in July (see S/PV.6998). First, as noted in the Secretary-General's report, despite enormous challenges and a State struggling to establish and to extend its authority, progress has been made in some key areas. There are new opportunities to strengthen State-building and accountability. The new Cabinet is in the process of entering into a New Deal compact with international partners and is showing genuine commitment to improving relations with the Sudan.”
2013-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7062 (2013) · source
“As outlined in the Secretary-General's report before the Council, I, along with the rest of the Mission, remain committed to helping the Government make progress in pursuing further political reforms, creating a Constitution, improving the human rights situation and conducting a population census and democratic elections. Those goals will help to ensure that South Sudan remains on the path to stability and prosperity.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“I urge the Council to take urgent action to support the Mission in filling those critical resource and capability gaps. UNMISS is also developing options for reconfiguring its military component and assets so that they are more effectively located to address emerging threats, security concerns and military deterrence needs within the country. The focus will be on the most unstable areas and where civilians are facing the greatest threats of physical violence. For such a deployment to be effective, however, force multipliers will be essential.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“The ability of UNMISS to deploy its troops in insecure areas is seriously constrained by aviation safety procedures and a lack of military aviation capabilities. Since one of its civilian helicopters was shot down on 21 December 2012, the Mission has had to introduce new flight risk-assessment procedures, which does slow down its responsiveness. The total of only three military helicopters available to supply troops in J onglei is woefully inadequate and has had a major impact on early warning and response capacity. Force multipliers are therefore urgently required to rectify the problem. Based on the recently completed military capability study, options outlined by the Secretary-General in his report include aerial surveillance capability, deterrence and supplementary heavy-lift and riverine capabilities.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“Since UNMISS was established, and through its decentralized presence and continued expansion through the county support bases, it has achieved concrete results in a number of areas. In implementing its mandate, however, it is facing enormous operational challenges, both with regard to engineering assets and mobility. Critical resource and capability gaps have resulted in a mobility crisis, which particularly affects our operations in high-risk areas such as Jonglei. That is having an especially detrimental effect on the Mission's ability to protect civilians, by which its success will ultimately be judged. Effective protection is only possible through a presence in those communities most at risk.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“While the visit to Juba on 12 April of President Omer Al-Bashir - the first such visit since South Sudan's independence - was promising, counter-accusations by both sides of military support to rebel groups in each other's territories, and the threat by the Sudan to shut down the oil pipeline, were a new setback. With the recent visit by South Sudan's Vice-President, Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, and a ministerial delegation to Khartoum, as well as the expected arrival of First Vice-President Ali Osman Taha in Juba today, it is hoped that progress can be made. It is incumbent on both parties, with the support of the international community, to strengthen their cooperative efforts for peaceful coexistence.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“Burdened by the austerity climate, preoccupied with efforts to address the security situation, and challenged by divergences that have emerged within the top echelons of the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), the Government has also faced difficulties in implementing political reforms and strengthening public institutions. Bodies crucial to a successful political transition, such as the National Constitutional Review Commission and the National Elections Commission, require adequate budgetary support from the Government to advance their work according to the schedule laid out in South Sudan's Transitional Constitution, while the Political Parties Council has yet to be sworn in. The key determinant for developments in South Sudan continues to be its relations with the Sudan.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“The establishment of the National Reconciliation Committee is one such welcome indication ofthe political will needed to foster necessary inclusive national dialogue. UNMISS continues to support the Government's efforts to seek political solutions to inter-communal conflict and peace initiatives aimed at bringing durable solutions to disputes over scarce natural resources. The Mission is encouraging local authorities, community leaders and national figures to reinforce their efforts to foster reconciliation. It is also essential that national and state authorities, and the communities themselves, take the lead and assume full ownership of such processes.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“In recent months, UNMISS has conducted hundreds of patrols, of both long and short duration, to reach out to and protect all communities, and has provided protection at its Pibor and Gumuruk bases to civilians seeking refuge. However, severe operational and logistical constraints in the rainy season are now making it extremely difficult to sustain more than five companies in Jonglei. Beyond the escalation of violence in Jonglei, inter-communal violence continues in the tri-state area of Warrap, Lakes and Unity. In the face of such violence, it is apparent more than ever that the provision of physical protection alone will not bring long-term peace and stability to South Sudan. The Government needs to establish effective long-term strategies through a political framework to address the underlying causes of violence.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“While amnesty was previously spurned by the armed group, the President of South Sudan renewed his call to David Yau Yau to take up the offer of amnesty in a statement on 28 June, and he reiterated the Government's commitment to coming to an understanding with the armed group. In the same statement, the President referred to the SPLA investigations into the violations perpetrated against civilians and he committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. For its part, in response to the crisis in Jonglei, UNMISS increased its military presence to a height of nine infantry companies in late March, distributed equally between the areas inhabited by all three of the main communities of the state.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“In an encouraging sign of growing Government concern for accountability, on 17 May President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a statement condemning the violence by armed groups in Jonglei, as well as the abuses perpetrated by ill-disciplined elements of the Government security forces, and committed to bringing those responsible to justice. SPLA investigations have been conducted into incidents in Pibor and Manyabol of reported abuses against civilians involving members of the security forces. Much more needs to be done, however, to enforce discipline and command and control in order to build trust among the communities and ensure respect for international humanitarian and human rights law within the security forces. The Government has also attempted to pursue dialogue with David Yau Yau.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“At the same time, we are concerned that violations of the status-of-forces agreement are continuing, and constraints in the operating environment for the Mission and humanitarian agencies remain a challenge. National and state authorities are struggling to translate their commitments to improving respect for human rights into action. Cases of arbitrary arrest, detention, abuse and incidences of killings by security forces, as well as the inability of the authorities to hold those responsible to account on a timely basis, are cause for deep concern. To strengthen awareness and accountability, UNMISS will increase its public reporting, issuing thematic reports and incident-related reports on human rights, while the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will brief the Council directly on the human rights situation in South Sudan.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“Restrictions have been reported on the movement of hundreds of civilians who remain in Pibor town and the harassment of civilians reportedly continues. The violence in south-east Jonglei also had tragic consequences for UNMISS, when, on 9 April, a military convoy was ambushed approximately 12 kilometres outside Gumuruk, resulting in the death of five peacekeepers, two national civilian staff members and five private contractors. Accountability must be ensured, both in relation to this incident, as well as in relation to the shoot-down of the UNMISS helicopter in 2012. The deterioration in the security situation in parts of South Sudan has been accompanied by human rights violations by armed groups and national security institutions.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“Fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the David Yau Yau armed group, and threats from both, have resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians. The population centres in Pibor county, where between 35,000 and 40,000 people used to live, including Boma, Manyabol and Pibor, are largely emptied of civilians, while the conditions of the remaining Murle population in inaccessible rural areas remain largely unknown. That is of deep concern. Clashes in Boma in May also resulted in considerable looting and damage to property, including that of humanitarian organizations, reportedly perpetrated by both armed groups and state security forces. The same happened in Pibor town.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“Some important highlights include a joint road map on integrated United Nations support to the 2015 elections and preparation for the national census, the successful organization of peace conferences in different states, technical assistance to the national reconciliation process, and progress towards a compact under the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States. Also, concrete dividends ofpeace are being delivered in several areas with the help of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. Despite such achievements since independence, progress in South Sudan has been hampered in other areas. Although most parts of the country remain stable, the security situation in Jonglei, particularly in the south-east of the state, has dominated developments since January.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“Also, with the support of UNMISS and its international partners, consultations for the development of a draft national security policy have taken place in all 10 states, and the drafting committee is now preparing for the next level of consultations at the national level. The legislative framework for the national security agencies has been adopted in the Cabinet and will be submitted for parliamentary approval. That is critical to ensure democratic control. The implementation of the Peacebuilding Support Plan continues with preliminary but encouraging results.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“The Government and the SSNPS, with the support of UNMISS, have completed the registration of now over 47,000 police officers, which is higher than the figure reflected in the Secretary-General's report (8/2013/366) and the benchmarks. Ghost officers will be weeded out, establishing new standards of professionalism and openness. At the same time, United Nations police are providing training at all levels, improving the conduct and capacity of the SSNPS and helping reform the whole police service. Tangible results are being achieved. Another area where progress is being achieved is the rule of law and security sector reform. The Government, with the support of UNMISS and other United Nations partners, has addressed more than 1,000 cases of prolonged and arbitrary detention.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“In the area of consolidation of peace, on 25 April the Government renewed its offer of amnesty to six armed group leaders and their forces through the issuance ofa presidential decree. The amnesty has been accepted by the South Sudan Liberation Army, the so- called South Sudan Democratic Army and the South Sudan Defence Forces. Talks with the Government have resulted in thousands of militia coming forward for reintegration. That is a very positive development for stability in the country, and in particular for Unity and Upper Nile states. Progress has also been made in the reform of the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) towards a more professional and effective police service.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“Ms. Johnson: I welcome this timely opportunity to provide members of the Council with an update on developments in South Sudan as the country turns two years old tomorrow. Many of us witnessed the outpouring of euphoria that greeted the dawn of independence of South Sudan. The mood of that day now seems like a fading memory. We have since seen many setbacks and problems. It is still important to acknowledge the progress that has been made. Since its independence, with the support ofthe United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), South Sudan has made strides towards becoming a more stable and democratically accountable country. Progress has been made in key areas.”
2013-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6993 (2013) · source
“With five other neighbours, the continuing proliferation of weapons in South Sudan has serious implications for regional security and stability. That continues among not only armed militia groups, but also civilian communities in South Sudan that feel vulnerable. Furthermore, South Sudan remains afflicted by internal security and political fault lines, which continue to render the country fragile and which has potential spillover effects. Every effort to mitigate that risk and to keep South Sudan on a path to stability and prosperity will contribute to the stability of the whole region. The international community's continued support is needed more than ever. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Council for its support and its valuable contribution to the work of UNMISS.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“We have been coordinating closely with the Russian aviation company concerned and with civil aviation authorities to facilitate the investigations in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization rules. We have also regularly updated the Russian Embassy in Uganda on the investigation process. The Russian Ambassador has expressed his Government's appreciation to UNMISS for its efforts in that regard. Allow me to conclude by recalling that in both resolutions 1996 (2011) and 2057 (2012), the Security Council determined that the situation faced by South Sudan continued to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region. That not only refers to the situation between South Sudan and the Sudan.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“I regret to inform members that, since my last briefing to the Council, the United Nations operating environment has become more challenging due to a number of grave violations of the status-of-forces agreement by the Government. We are addressing the problem through interventions at the highest levels. We are also launching a sensitization and training programme for all security institutions. As members are aware, the most egregious violation occurred on 21 December, when SPLA forces shot down an UNMISS helicopter, killing four Russian crew members. We have engaged the Government on the matter at the highest levels to urge a swift and transparent investigation.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“In the continued context of austerity, the Government has taken positive steps to stabilize the country's macroeconomic situation, with reductions in average monthly Government spending by more than 50 per cent. Non-oil revenues increased lO-fold, to about 70 million South Sudanese pounds per month. However, a large fiscal gap still remains and, pending the resumption of oil flows, a multifaceted donor support package will be required to bridge it. A donors conference to address those issues is scheduled to be held in Washington, DC, on 16 and 17 April. Even with the full and timely implementation of the agreement on oil, the conference is very important. I ask the Council to lend its full support to the success of the conference.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“Meanwhile, the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission Council has been established and a pilot disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme is set to be launched at Mapel on 15 April. With progress on disengagement from the border areas, it is hoped that DDR and security sector reform will gather momentum. The National Legislative Assembly has become more assertive in carrying out its role with stronger checks and balances, and more actively performing its oversight functions, including its handling of audit reports and budgets and the passage of critical legislation in a number of key areas.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“The SSNPS is now reconciling the registered figures with the payroll for each State in order to weed out ghost police officers. Furthermore, in support of reform of the security sector, reshuffle has taken place in the SPLA and the SSNPS, replacing a number of senior military and police officers with younger officers. This is part of an overall modernization and professionalization effort. UNMISS continues to provide training to the SSNPS and has developed proposals for contributing to the development of the capacity of the SPLA to protect civilians. In January, countrywide consultations on the draft national security policy were launched by the Government. UNMISS is working with international partners to provide technical and logistical support to this process.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“On 26 February, the National Legislative Assembly approved an amendment to the Transitional Constitution that extended the mandate of the National Constitutional Review Commission by two years. The extension will ensure that the Commission has sufficient time to conduct broad nationwide consultations down to the county level, and implement its mandate. Police reform has continued through implementing the action plan and scaling up the training of police at all levels. The registration of all police personnel, which should greatly facilitate the right-sizing, training and transformation of the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), is now complete. To date, the provisional number of registered police personnel stands at 46,427, after the rescreening that revised earlier figures.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“Meanwhile, humanitarian actors have continued to report access issues, the presence of weapons in the camps, and other impediments to their work. The proliferation of weapons caused clashes between the police and armed elements in Yida refugee camp on 17 March. Returnees from the Sudan continue to face difficulties with sustainable reintegration, as mentioned in the Secretary-General's report. Despite these many challenges, South Sudan continues to lay the foundations for a viable and democratic State. Progress has been made, and let me go through a few key areas. The democratic foundations of this new and independent country have been established with a proper legal framework for multiparty democracy and elections and concomitant functioning institutions. The work on reviewing the Transitional Constitution is now also gaining momentum.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“Historical animosities among communities, dating from the civil, and old divisions and power struggles among political protagonists are pervasive. New tensions are emerging from old wounds. These all need to be addressed. Hence, the Government's initiative to launch a process of national reconciliation and healing is welcomed. It is essential, however, that this important process be inclusive and broadly owned by all stakeholders. To this end, the United Nations system is working closely with all stakeholders in supporting the preparations for the reconciliation process. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains challenging. There is a constant stream of refugees arriving in South Sudan from Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile in the Sudan, with over 14,000 new arrivals thus far in 2013.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit has also pledged that he will take action against undisciplined elements within the security organs. Another welcome development is the establishment by the Government of a high-level panel to address the problem of arbitrary/prolonged detention. The panel is chaired by the Chief Justice, and includes the SPLA and the Ministers of Justice, National Security, the Interior and Defence. Also positively, South Sudan recently signed the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, but the Government should now fulfil its commitment to the accession and ratification of this and other key human rights instruments. The persistent violence and instability in South Sudan are deeply rooted.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“On a positive note, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting has committed to the United Nations plan of action for freedom of expression and the protection of journalists - initiated by UNESCO and supported by UNMISS and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - and has agreed to seek the Council of Ministers' approval for South Sudan to become a pilot country. While investigating the case of a South Sudanese journalist under threat, two UNMISS human rights officers were held and interrogated for several hours in January. UNMISS immediately protested at the highest levels, and measures are now being worked out between UNMISS and the relevant security institutions to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“We also continue to urge the Government to address the root causes of violence and chronic instability in the State. In relation to the violence that broke out in Wau, Western Bahr el-Ghazal, in December, a number of disturbing arbitrary detentions were registered. I have raised this concern with national and state authorities and urged that due process be respected. All perpetrators should be held to account. I have also called for intercommunal reconciliation. Increased reports of threats to freedom of expression and respect for human rights in South Sudan are worrying. We have impressed upon the Government that it must take immediate steps to reverse this trend and have pressed for the investigation into the December 2012 killing of the columnist Isaiah Abraham to be expedited and the perpetrators to be brought to justice.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“Local and political leaders, including the Vice-President and several ministers who visited the area, have been engaged in efforts to convince the Lou Nuer youth not to resort to revenge attacks but to allow the SPLA and the police to address the problem. In the meantime, UNMISS has conducted a human rights investigation into the Wangar attack. A report into its findings will be published later this month. UNMISS has developed contingency plans for possible Jonglei state scenarios. The Mission has strengthened its troop presence and increased the number of integrated civilian-military patrols to identify the locations of potential attacks, and continues to engage the vulnerable communities and support efforts to find a peaceful solution.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“Although the Government is committed to doign its utmost to protect civilians during such operations, the civilian population can be at risk from being caught in the crossfire. We have stressed that any military response to insecurity must secure the protection of civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Another source of concern is the intercommunal tension created by the 8 February deadly attack on a Lou Nuer community in the Walgak area, which was migrating to a dry season grazing area. The deadly attack, allegedly perpetrated by armed youth from the Murle community, resulted in the killing of over 100 civilians and a number of escorting SPLA troops.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“It is important to note that, while the Pibor County Commissioner had designated a safe area where he said the SPLA would protect civilians, the population chose to come to the two UNMISS bases in the town. We have just received a message today about a similar message in Gumuruk, south ofPibor, where civilians also sought refuge with our contingents. The situation in Jonglei state remains a source of major concern and presents complex challenges for both UNMISS and the Government. The Government remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the threat posed by David Yau Yau's armed group, but has made it clear that the window for dialogue is closing and that military operations may soon be launched.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“Recent Spates of violence in Jonglei and Western Bahr el-Ghazal states have further highlighted the importance of the protection of civilians mandate assigned to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). In Western Bahr el-Ghazal, some 5,000 civilians fleeing from intercommunal violence in Wau, in December, sought refuge in the UNMISS camp. Similarly, in Pibor county, Jonglei state, hundreds of civilians sought protection in UNMISS bases on many occasions when there were clashes between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and armed groups. The largest numbers were around 3,000 on 27 January and 1,800 on 6 March.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source
“Relations with the Sudan remained tense, although the 8, 12 and 19 March agreements on the implementation of the 27 September Cooperation Agreements could significantly improve the situation in the coming months. An easing of some of the economic austerity measures, with a restart of oil production, would definitely help create an environment conducive to progress on other crucial political and security issues. Internal security challenges, in particular intercommunal violence in several areas and the activities of armed groups in Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity states, continue to be a source of instability and pose grave threats to the civilian population. Land disputes also remain a potential source of insecurity in the country.”
2013-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6938 (2013) · source