South Sudan’s government opposes the appointment of a UN special rapporteur for human rights in the country and has denounced the idea as “a challenge to our pride.”
Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin spoke at the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 2 March.
According to a prepared copy of his remarks, he stated, “Proposing Human Rights Rapporteur for the Republic of South Sudan, is in our opinion ill-advised at this stage. It sours relationship and aggravates the situation with regards to the challenges we face in a young country like South Sudan.”
He added, “It is unfortunate that some of the reports and statements made portray a very disturbing and a challenge to our pride, dignity and the value of our independence and sovereignty.”
Barnaba was referring to the position of a UN Special Rapporteur, which are special experts or representatives sometimes mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to gather information about a specific country or thematic issue.
“Rapporteur” is a French-derived word for an investigator who reports to a certain body or organization.
This news comes after the European Union delegation in Geneva announced on 27 February that it would seek “further action” by the UN rights council to look into reported crimes in South Sudan.
“In light of the continuing human rights violations and abuses in the country, the EU will seek to gather support for further action by the Human Rights Council,” reads the European Union statement.
Related:
South Sudan govt human rights investigation ‘ended’ (7 February 2015)
South Sudan cabinet minister supports ‘general amnesty’ idea (26 May 2014)