Thank you, Madam President,
I thank SRSG Haysom for his comprehensive briefing and commend his and his team’s tireless efforts to support the peace process in South Sudan. I also express thanks to Mrs. Lilian Riziq for giving us a frank perspective from civil society.
Allow me to make the following three points:
First, South Sudanese is at a critical juncture following the signatory parties agreement to extend the transition period. The next step is for the leaders to show genuine political will and commitment to fully implement the roadmap and create the necessary conditions to advance the constitution-making process, pass the relevant legislation and create the necessary institutions to prepare South Sudan for free, fair and peaceful elections.
The graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces is a welcomed step in the reunification process and implementation of outstanding security arrangements. Efforts must now be placed on completing the Unified Defence Force.
Time is of the essence. The extension of the transition period must be accompanied by a drastic shift in attitude and commitment. We urge the Government to engage meaningfully with civil society and other stakeholders to maintain sustained action in delivering on the roadmap.
Second, we are concerned about the increased violence in South Sudan, including clashes and cattle raiding in Unity, Upper Nile State, and other regions, which have resulted in killings and displacements. Albania strongly condemns these attacks and urges all parties to stop the fighting. The Government of South Sudan must ensure the protection of civilians, and fully investigate serious violations and abuses of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, particularly those committed by joint government forces and allied militia.
Similarly, the astonishing 218 per cent increase in conflict-related sexual violence documented by UNMISS from April to June alone, is deeply disturbing. We call for full accountability and an end to impunity that encourages such grave violations. We also call for the expedited implementation of the action plan of the armed forces on addressing conflict-related sexual violence under the Joint Communiqué, particularly as the graduation of the armed forces continues to take place.
Third, South Sudan is facing a dire humanitarian situation with 63 per cent of the population at risk of acute food insecurity. Violence and intercommunal tensions are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. We urge all parties to honour their obligations under International Law and ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Albania strongly condemns attacks against aids workers and their assets, and we call for their perpetrators to be brought to justice!
In conclusion, Madam President, Albania supports the recent roadmap paving the way towards a peaceful end to the transitional period in South Sudan. However, we strongly urge that efforts be placed on implementing the roadmap in an inclusive manner, by including civil society, women and youth, and respecting the time-lines for delivery.
In this regard, we call upon the leaders of South Sudan to cooperate and work together with international partners to create the necessary political environment to foster dialogue, strengthen civil society and increase political efficacy. As the Secretary-General highlighted, this roadmap should serve as a re-commitment to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement.
Thank you.
