40th session of the UPR Working Group - Review of South Sudan

President,

After 10 years of independence, the situation regarding human rights in South Sudan remains deeply concerning. Sexual and gender-based violence is widely spread, child marriages common and around 100 people per day lose their lives in armed attacks throughout the country. The population lacks access to basic services and the level of corruption is devastating. The restarting of talks in the Rome process as well as the ambition to hold parliamentary elections in 2023 provide some optimism, albeit great uncertainty of its outcome.

Sweden would therefore like to recommend South Sudan to:

1. Implement the National action plan to end child marriages before 2030.
2. Take all necessary measures to end sexual and gender-based violence, including by promptly and independently investigating all allegations of such violence and bringing perpetrators to justice, in accordance with international standards.
3. Ensure the delivery of basic services, notably access to healthcare, water, and sanitation to the entire population, including in rural areas.

Thank you