A devastating report released by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has revealed that at least 739 civilians were killed and 679 others injured between January and March 2025, marking the deadliest three-month period in South Sudan since 2020. The Human Rights Quarterly Brief, published on Wednesday, paints a grim picture of escalating violence, abductions, and sexual assaults across several regions of the country, with women and children bearing the brunt of the atrocities.
The report indicates that the majority of the violence was perpetrated by community-based militias and local armed groups, often acting with impunity in a climate of insecurity and weak governance. However, the involvement of organized armed groups and military actors in targeting civilians has also increased during the reporting period. A total of 149 women and children were abducted, while 40 individuals were subjected to conflict-related sexual violence, a figure that highlights the persistent use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in South Sudan.
In total, over 1,600 civilians were either killed, injured, abducted, or sexually assaulted in just three months, representing a nearly 100 percent increase compared to the final quarter of 2024. Warrap State emerged as the most affected region, accounting for more than 420 deaths and nearly 300 injuries. Central Equatoria also saw a sharp spike in violence, with the number of victims more than tripling and a notable rise in abductions reported.
The report highlights that children and women continue to suffer disproportionately, with the number of child victims increasing by 50 percent. Women and girls constituted the vast majority of those subjected to sexual and gender-based violence. The UN has expressed alarm over the worsening situation and has urged urgent action to halt the cycle of violence.
Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNMISS, emphasized the responsibility of the South Sudanese government to ensure the protection of its citizens. He called on national, state, and local authorities to take immediate and coordinated action, in partnership with international and regional stakeholders, to address the root causes of the conflict, promote dialogue, and hold perpetrators accountable.
The surge in violence comes as South Sudan prepares for its long-delayed elections, raising concerns about political instability, intercommunal tensions, and the government’s ability to guarantee security across the country. UNMISS continues to support peacebuilding efforts, but the latest figures underline the urgent need for stronger institutions, enhanced community protection, and justice for victims to break the cycle of impunity and prevent further loss of life.
A devastating report released by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has revealed that at least 739 civilians were killed and 679 others injured between January and March 2025, marking the deadliest three-month period in South Sudan since 2020. The Human Rights Quarterly Brief, published on Wednesday, paints a grim picture of escalating violence, abductions, and sexual assaults across several regions of the country, with women and children bearing the brunt of the atrocities.
The report indicates that the majority of the violence was perpetrated by community-based militias and local armed groups, often acting with impunity in a climate of insecurity and weak governance. However, the involvement of organized armed groups and military actors in targeting civilians has also increased during the reporting period. A total of 149 women and children were abducted, while 40 individuals were subjected to conflict-related sexual violence, a figure that highlights the persistent use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in South Sudan.
In total, over 1,600 civilians were either killed, injured, abducted, or sexually assaulted in just three months, representing a nearly 100 percent increase compared to the final quarter of 2024. Warrap State emerged as the most affected region, accounting for more than 420 deaths and nearly 300 injuries. Central Equatoria also saw a sharp spike in violence, with the number of victims more than tripling and a notable rise in abductions reported.
The report highlights that children and women continue to suffer disproportionately, with the number of child victims increasing by 50 percent. Women and girls constituted the vast majority of those subjected to sexual and gender-based violence. The UN has expressed alarm over the worsening situation and has urged urgent action to halt the cycle of violence.
Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNMISS, emphasized the responsibility of the South Sudanese government to ensure the protection of its citizens. He called on national, state, and local authorities to take immediate and coordinated action, in partnership with international and regional stakeholders, to address the root causes of the conflict, promote dialogue, and hold perpetrators accountable.
The surge in violence comes as South Sudan prepares for its long-delayed elections, raising concerns about political instability, intercommunal tensions, and the government’s ability to guarantee security across the country. UNMISS continues to support peacebuilding efforts, but the latest figures underline the urgent need for stronger institutions, enhanced community protection, and justice for victims to break the cycle of impunity and prevent further loss of life.
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