WASHINGTON (July 21, 2016)—South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity, led by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Machar, is failing to uphold its responsibility to protect their people from mass atrocities. On July 7, violence again broke out in Juba between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the SPLA in Opposition (SPLA-IO). Hundreds were killed after almost a week of fighting. Thousands have fled to UN protection of civilian centers, but they still face the threat of mortars and heavy artillery.
We, at Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), have signed the attached open letter with 29 other humanitarian organizations calling for the United Nations Security Council to impose an immediate arms embargo on South Sudan.
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Notes to editors:
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)’s mission is to improve protection for civilians caught in conflicts around the world. We call on and advise international organizations, governments, militaries, and armed non-state actors to adopt and implement policies to prevent civilian harm. When civilians are harmed we advocate for the provision of amends and post-harm assistance. We bring the voices of civilians themselves to those making decisions affecting their lives.
For more information, contact Christopher Allbritton at +1 (917) 310-4785 or chris@civiliansinconflict.org.
