Mister President,
I would like to thank Special Representative Haysom for his presentation. And my special thanks to Ms. Merekaje for her insightful remarks and clear recommendations on the inclusion of women and the civil society in this critical phase for the future of South Sudan. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representatives of South Sudan and Kenya in this meeting.
We take note of the consensual decision of the parties to extend the transition period by two years, and we recognize that the organization of elections is a South Sudanese process. However, given the persistent lack of progress in this regard, we wish to echo the words of the Interim Chair of RJMEC, who said last week that it was “necessary to do things differently now”. The clock is ticking, and there is no time for a pause.
I would like to emphasize three priorities that remain central for the next two years:
First, it is imperative that efforts to address humanitarian and protection needs continue. These needs are increasing, which is deeply worrying. The country is already heavily impacted by the conflict in Sudan and by an economic situation that is deteriorating considerably, we have just heard it. A significant proportion of the population is seriously affected by food insecurity, exacerbated by the effects of climate change. In this respect, gender-sensitive risk assessment and early warning systems are essential, particularly for communities at risk of flooding. As demonstrated by UNOSAT and WMO during the Council members' visit to Geneva, the potential of science and data to support peacekeeping missions such as UNMISS is immense.
Second, it is essential to address the persistent insecurity across the country. Widespread violence and attacks against civilians continue, particularly at the sub-national level, as reported by the UNMISS Human Rights Division. This is extremely worrying, particularly in light of reports of sexual violence and abductions. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and human rights. In this context, we welcome the renewal of the joint action plan for the armed forces to combat conflict-related sexual violence, and call for its implementation. We also call on all parties to strengthen the protection of humanitarian personnel, including national and locally recruited staff. South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous countries for them. To this end, we recall the obligations under international humanitarian law reiterated by resolution 2730, the implementation of which will be discussed in the Council at the end of the month.
Third, it is imperative to achieve rapid and tangible results on the outstanding provisions of the Peace Agreement. This needs political will, constructive dialogue and a realistic work plan, with timelines and indications on resource mobilization. The international community needs to be able to recognize progress early on in order to make decisions about its continued support, including financial support. And in order to strengthen the trust of the South Sudanese population as a whole in the extension of the transition, we stress once again that a free and safe civic and political space and the participation of women and youth, including as voters, candidates and observers in future elections, are essential. All forms of gender-based harassment and threats must be halted and prosecuted.
Mister President,
I would like to reiterate our full support for UNMISS and the Trilateral Task Force, whose continued work and support for South Sudan on this complex path will remain essential and indispensable over the next two years. We also reaffirm Switzerland's firm commitment to the government and the people of South Sudan in achieving lasting peace.
I thank you.