Statement [Made on Behalf of the Security Council, at the 8634th Meeting, 8 Oct. 2019, in Connection with the Council's Consideration of the Item Entitled "Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan"]

S/PRST/2019/11View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Presidential Statement of the Security Council, under agenda item 216 Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan, published in 2019.

What subjects does this mandate have?

3 subjects

Ceasefires Peacemaking South Sudan

What’s in this document?

17 paragraphs

At the 8634th meeting of the Security Council, held on 8 October 2019, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“One year after the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the Security Council underlines that the R-ARCSS is an important step forward in the peace process that provides a window of opportunity to achieve sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan, and recognizes the reduction in political violence in South Sudan and the return of some representatives of opposition parties to Juba.

“The Security Council welcomes recent meetings between President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar as a positive development, and calls for senior leadership of the Parties to the R-ARCSS to continue to hold regular face-to-face meetings to resolve outstanding issues to allow for the peaceful formation of a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity according to the timeline agreed to by the parties on May 3 and reflected in a communiqué by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

“The Security Council welcomes initial progress implementing the R-ARCSS, including the formation of certain R-ARCSS institutions and mechanisms, joint peacebuilding activities at the local level, and an improved environment in many areas for delivery of humanitarian assistance.

“The Security Council calls on Parties to the R-ARCSS to expedite the process of implementing transitional security arrangements and to continue consultation on the issue of the number and boundaries of states with a view towards finding a common solution.

“The Security Council urges the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to disburse the balance of its pledged funds for implementation of the R-ARCSS in a transparent and accountable manner, and continue to make funds available for ongoing implementation of the peace agreement.

“The Security Council expresses concern at the dire humanitarian, human rights, and economic situation in South Sudan and condemns all violations of the R-ARCSS and 21 December 2017 Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians, and Humanitarian Access, including the ongoing conflict in the Equatorias region, and continued use of sexual violence as a tactic by the parties to the conflict against the civilian population.

“The Security Council appreciates IGAD’s role in facilitating progress on the peace process in South Sudan, and takes note of its recommendation to hold an Ordinary Summit of IGAD to address outstanding issues, including the status of Dr. Riek Machar. The Security Council encourages IGAD to appoint a permanent Chairperson for the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

“The Security Council expresses appreciation for the critical role the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), and RJMEC play in supporting implementation of the R-ARCSS, and demands the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and opposition groups cease obstruction of UNMISS and CTSAMVM activities.

“The Security Council calls for parties not signatory to the R-ARCSS to renounce violence, adhere to cessation of hostilities agreements, and seek a political resolution to their concerns about the R-ARCSS, and further calls for parties to the R-ARCSS to engage with non-signatories in a non-violent and constructive manner.

“The Security Council further calls for all parties to the R-ARCSS as well as non-signatory armed groups in South Sudan to protect medical facilities and medical personnel, as well as civilians and civilian objects, including schools, allow people to move freely, and allow rapid, safe, and unhindered access of relief personnel, equipment and supplies, in accordance with principles of humanitarian assistance, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, to help ensure timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those in need.

“The Security Council looks forward to seeing substantive progress on these activities during its October 2019 visit.

“The Security Council urges parties to the R-ARCSS to continue taking steps in line with the provisions of the peace agreement to promote the meaningful participation of women in the formation of a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, and calls on all parties to the R-ARCSS and armed groups in South Sudan to cease all acts of sexual and gender-based violence, end the recruitment and use of child soldiers, killing and maiming or sexual violence against children, and to release all children that have been recruited to date.

“The Security Council takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on UNMISS Protection of Civilians sites and encourages all stakeholders to continue substantive conversations to devise a sustainable path forward for the Protection of Civilian sites.

“The Security Council underscores the pressing need to ensure accountability and end impunity for any violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in South Sudan. The Security Council takes note in this regard of Chapter V of the R-ARCSS and calls for its implementation.

“The Security Council stresses that actions which threaten the peace, security or stability of South Sudan may be subject to sanctions under resolutions 2206 (2015), 2290 (2016), 2353 (2017), 2428 (2018), and 2471 (2019), and affirms that it shall be prepared to adjust measures contained in these resolutions in light of the implementation of the parties’ commitments, including the ceasefire.

“The Security Council reiterates its support for the people of South Sudan, and reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of the Republic of South Sudan.”

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

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