There is no military solution for the recent conflict in South Sudan, the UN’s top humanitarian said on Wednesday.
“The fighting must stop and the atrocities must end immediately”, Stephen O’Brien said, who was on a three day visit to the country.
Before O’Brien spoke to reporters, he met with President Salva Kiir.
“I expressed my shock and dismal at the appalling reports of violations committed against civilians during fighting in recent months, including in Juba. In particular, I condemned the heinous acts of sexual violence carried out against women and girls, including by members of the armed forces”, he stressed.
Those who are found guilty of sexual violence should be severely punished, O’Brien said, and there must be accountability. Recently, women living in the UN House protection of civilians site said they had been victims of gang-rape by government soldiers. South Sudan’s humanitarian needs are roughly 40 percent funded for this year.
There have been 57 aid workers killed since South Sudan’s civil war began in 2013, and many are still missing.
‘This is absolutely unacceptable, and I urge the president to take immediate action to end the impunity that has prevailed to date.
On Tuesday, O’Brien visited Wau and Aweil, the location of recent fighting and displacement. “People are not just fleeing their homes because they need food, shelter or medical care and school for their children. They are fleeing through fear for their lives” O’Brien said. “We must protect them and we must save their lives with food, water, medical care and shelter.”