The Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan Toby Lanzer yesterday announced that 'thousands' of homes have been burnt in the government military offensive in Unity State. He said that international law has been violated in recent military operations in both Unity and Upper Nile states.

“Military operations in Unity and Upper Nile states over the past three days in particular have again devastated countless lives. Eyewitness accounts report targeted rape and killing of civilians, including children. The offensive in Unity has left thousands of homes burnt and Leer hospital is again under threat of destruction,” he said.

Lanzer also reported that civlians have been injured in Malakal during recent fighting. “In Malakal, armed groups have engaged in combat next to the United Nations protection of civilians site and as a consequence, civilians trying to stay out of harm’s way have been injured.”

He stated, “The lack of respect for the sanctity of life, humanitarian infrastructure and the United Nations protection of civilians site constitute breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).” The top UN humanitarian official called on “all commanding officers” to ensure that soldiers protect and respect civlians and their property.

Separately, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) also announced yesterday that 'dozens' of children were killed during the recent military operations in Unity State, saying that at least 19 boys and 7 girls were killed, at least 12 children were raped, others were mutilated and others were forcibly recruited to join in fighting.

However, Michael Makuei, South Sudan's government spokesman, has questioned how the United Nations obtained information on human rights violations given that the UN have limited access in Unity State. The UN says they collected survivor testimonies at the Bentiu 'protection site', which is protected by UN peacekeepers. 

South Sudan's government launched attacks southward into rebel-controlled southern Unity State from its stronghold in Bentiu since late April and also northward from Lakes State since earlier this month. 

Photo: A home burns in Malakal, South Sudan, on February 13, 2014 (Human Rights Watch)

Related: 

S Sudan govt attacks Mayandiit and Panyijar; aid workers flee (15 May)

IGAD monitors slam SPLA for 'full-scale military offensive' (15 May)

UN says villages burned in Guit and Koch counties (12 May)

Aid workers evacuate Leer fearing 'imminent attack'

Juba claims capture of areas around Bentiu (1 May)