The United Nations Human Rights Council decided on Wednesday to form a three-person commission to investigate human rights violations in South Sudan.
The council reputedly made a last minute amendment to a resolution to significantly bolster scrutiny of the country.
The Council had been considering mandating a single expert, a proposal initiated by the United States and Albania. But after an oral amendment, it was agreed by consensus to set up the commission, with a renewable one-year mandate.
South Sudan’s government promised that it would cooperate with the UN commission, which is charged with investigating gang rapes, destruction of villages, and attacks on civilians that may constitute war crimes.
Related:
Timeline: key investigations into atrocities in South Sudan (12 Mar.)