JUBA CITY, August 2, 2024 – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of abductions in the greater Yei region of Central Equatoria state, with the National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed groups allegedly responsible. The rising incidents primarily affect Yei River, Morobo, and Lainya counties.
In a press statement released Friday, UNMISS reported 12 abduction cases involving 134 individuals, including six children, last month alone. These abductions pose significant risks to children, exposing them to potential recruitment into armed conflicts, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
“Children as well as adults in captivity must be released immediately and unconditionally. Such incidents not only go against international human rights and humanitarian law but also have a devastating impact on communities, creating fear and uncertainty,” said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS. “We urge the Government of South Sudan to conduct immediate investigations and remind involved parties of their human rights obligations.”
Haysom called for collective action from all stakeholders, including the government, to strengthen measures preventing further abductions and to ensure swift justice for the perpetrators.
Abductions continue to threaten security and peacebuilding efforts. UNMISS is actively engaging with national, state, and local authorities to address this issue.
