UNMISS released its latest quarterly human rights brief covering July to September 2025, highlighting a continued deterioration in South Sudan’s political and security situation. The period was marked by persistent inter- and intra-communal violence involving community militias and civil defence groups, hostilities between warring parties and other armed actors—including alleged foreign involvement—heightened political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, and increasing ethnic polarization.
The brief documented 295 incidents of conflict-related violence affecting 1,153 civilians, including 166 women and 93 children. Among these, 519 civilians were killed, 396 injured, 159 abducted, and 79 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). While this represented a 12 percent decrease in the number of incidents and a 24 percent reduction in total victims compared to the previous quarter, the situation remains dire.
Despite an 18 percent decrease in civilian killings and a 41 percent drop in injuries, abductions rose by 20 percent, and CRSV cases increased by seven percent, underscoring ongoing risks for vulnerable populations. UNMISS Officer-in-Charge Anita Kiki Gbeho noted that while the decline in overall casualties offers some hope, the rise in abductions and sexual violence, along with persistent armed hostilities, is unacceptable.
The brief also emphasizes that civilian protection remains severely compromised due to widespread armed confrontations, shelling, aerial bombardments, and targeted airstrikes across Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Western Equatoria states. Forced displacement, a direct consequence of this violence, continues to undermine peacebuilding efforts and exposes civilians to heightened humanitarian risks and needs.
Ms. Gbeho urged all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and to recommit to safeguarding civilians. She stressed that accountability for violations and respect for human rights are essential for building trust, fostering reconciliation, and achieving a durable peace in South Sudan.
