This statement was made by the United Kingdom during the Universal Periodic Review Adoption for South Sudan.
“Thank you, Mr. President,
“The UK welcomes South Sudan’s engagement with the UPR and the Government’s declared willingness to improve the human rights situation across the country.
“We are pleased that South Sudan accepted all three of the UK’s recommendations, namely to engage with the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, uphold the freedoms of assembly and expression, and implement its action plan to prevent grave violations against children.
“These are important steps towards making concrete progress on human rights with less than one year of the transitional period left. It is vital for all supported recommendations to be implemented swiftly and to ensure this leads to tangible, positive change for the people of South Sudan.
“We would also encourage South Sudan to submit an optional mid-term report on progress in implementing all the recommendations which it has accepted, in accordance with South Sudan’s commitment to engaging with the UPR process.
“While we welcome South Sudan’s engagement, the UK remains deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation and harrowing reports of violence, killings and widespread sexual and gender-based violence, including in Leer. We call on the Government of South Sudan to take immediate action to hold the perpetrators to account and end impunity.
“The United Kingdom reiterates its commitment to working constructively with South Sudan towards the establishment of a democracy where the rights of everyone are guaranteed and protected.
“Thank you.”