UN Warns South Sudan on Brink as Civilian Killings Surge

Türk said he was “horrified” by the scale and brutality of violations reported across the country, warning that some of the acts may constitute war crimes under international law.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that South Sudan is facing a rapidly deteriorating human rights crisis, citing growing reports of mass civilian killings, destruction of water sources and large-scale displacement amid escalating hostilities between government forces and opposition groups.

Türk said he was “horrified” by the scale and brutality of violations reported across the country, warning that some of the acts may constitute war crimes under international law.

“Civilians are being brutally killed, injured and displaced on a daily basis across South Sudan as hostilities escalate between the army and opposition forces,” he said.

More Than 160 Civilians Killed in Recent Weeks

According to the UN Human Rights Office, over 160 civilians have been killed in the past 17 days alone.

The deadliest incident occurred on 1 March, when at least 139 civilians were killed in Abiemnom locality in the Ruweng Administrative Area by fighters belonging to the Bul Nuer ethnic group.

Other killings have been attributed to government forces.

On 21 February, soldiers reportedly killed 21 civilians in Pankor village in Ayod County, Jonglei State, after gathering residents with the promise of food aid before opening fire.

Among those killed were 15 women and three girls.

On the same day, government soldiers allegedly tied up and beheaded four civilians—an elderly man, a woman, a boy and a girl—in Thiam village in Western Bahr al Ghazal State.

Civilians Ordered to Leave Town as Fighting Spreads

The violence has also triggered fresh waves of displacement.

On 6 March, the South Sudanese military issued an evacuation order for all civilians in Akobo town and surrounding villages in Jonglei State.

Authorities also ordered the closure of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) temporary operating base in Akobo, as well as the withdrawal of UN agencies and NGOs.

UNMISS said its peacekeepers will remain in the town to maintain a protective presence for civilians.

Thousands of residents have already fled Akobo amid fears of escalating fighting.

Destruction and Poisoning of Water Sources

The UN Human Rights Office has also received reports that community water sources have been deliberately destroyed or contaminated.

Local residents told investigators that around 99 wells were destroyed or poisoned with unidentified substances during government airstrikes, leaving communities without access to safe drinking water.

The destruction of essential civilian infrastructure raises serious concerns under international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilian objects necessary for survival.

Hundreds of Thousands Displaced

Since late December, more than 280,000 people have been displaced across several regions, including:

• Jonglei State

• Lakes State

• Upper Nile State

Türk warned that the latest displacement from Akobo and surrounding areas could significantly worsen the humanitarian situation.

“The displacement of thousands of civilians from Akobo over the weekend and the chilling spectre of armed violence will only serve to compound the anxiety and suffering the civilian population has endured since hostilities resumed in January,” he said.

Call for Investigations and Accountability

Türk called for prompt, impartial and thorough investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

“There must be prompt, impartial, thorough and effective investigations into these and all other alleged violations of the laws of war,” he said.

Those responsible, including commanders and officials with superior responsibility, must be held accountable.

Urgent Appeal for Ceasefire and Dialogue

The UN human rights chief also urged the parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate ceasefire and return to negotiations.

“There must be a ceasefire as promptly as possible, to save lives and turn this conflict in the direction of a negotiated solution,” he said.

Türk called on the international community to intensify diplomatic engagement with the parties to halt the escalating violence.

He also urged all sides to respect international law by protecting civilians, avoiding attacks on civilian infrastructure and allowing humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

“Both parties must take prompt and meaningful steps, with the support of the international community, to rescue the fledgling peace agreement,” Türk said.

“South Sudan must be pulled back from the brink of all-out civil war.”