The UN Human Rights Council recently addressed the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, where escalating violence, political tensions, and a severe humanitarian crisis threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement between the government and opposition forces. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk highlighted that the ongoing turmoil has rendered the human rights situation in South Sudan one of the world's forgotten crises, necessitating immediate international attention and intervention. He emphasized the need for urgency to uphold the peace deal to prevent further fragmentation of the country and cycles of retaliation that could reignite a full-scale civil war.

The Human Rights Council observed that the violence has intensified, with both government and opposition forces, as well as their militias, increasingly targeting civilians. This surge in attacks has resulted in a worsening humanitarian emergency, exacerbated by neighboring Sudan's ongoing conflict which complicates the overall stability of the region. The rising uncertainties surrounding South Sudan's political future raise concerns about the potential for further unrest, stressing the critical need for a cohesive international response to stabilize the situation.

The warning from the UN rights chief serves as a call to action for the international community to prioritize the humanitarian needs in South Sudan and to provide support to ensure the peace agreement remains intact. Without prompt intervention, there exists a significant risk that South Sudan may descend back into a state of widespread violence and chaos, underscoring the precariousness of the ongoing peace efforts and the necessity for sustained diplomatic and humanitarian engagement.