United Nations senior official has expressed grave concern over the stalled implementation of critical protection measures to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence in South Sudan.

The UN Secretary General Special representative on sexual Violence on Conflict Mrs.  Pramila Patten called when speaking at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York yesterday. For an immediate cessation of all hostilities and conflict-related sexual violence and urged all parties to engage in inclusive dialogue.

According to the United Nations community-based militias and non-state armed groups continue to use sexual violence as a tactic to displace populations, a pattern particularly prevalent in Western and Central Equatoria.

The Statement says “this trend remains a critical concern as United Nations monitoring in early 2026 indicates heightened risks in hotspots such as Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile, where humanitarian and security conditions continue to deteriorate,” the statement reads in part.

Highlighting the need for a comprehensive justice response, the Special Representative underscored the importance of operationalizing the transitional justice architecture envisioned under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.