Checked Against Delivery
I thank all our briefers for this morning and welcome the representative of South Sudan to this meeting. Denmark shares the concern expressed by the briefers and other Council members on the deterioration of the political and humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
We believe that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework for a peaceful political transition in South Sudan. Its full implementation is essential to preserve peace and prevent a return to widespread conflict.
We stress that any election must be transparent, free and fair, and we strongly urge it is preceded by a credible inter-party dialogue including the armed factions of the opposition.
Furthermore, we echo the AU's calls for the release of First Vice President Machar and other figures in opposition parties.
Denmark supports regional initiatives, including the AU High-Level Ad Hoc Committee, the efforts of the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, and IGAD. We call for strong alignment between all initiatives.
We further echo the call by Ms. Riziq to ensure the participation of South Sudanese women and women's civil society organizations in all aspects of the transitional process.
Second,
We are deeply concerned by dire humanitarian situation across the country, as well as the security implications stemming from the prolonged conflict in Sudan, including movements of fighters and arms across the border.
Refugee flows into South Sudan further strain an already overstretched humanitarian response.
The risk of famine, as highlighted in the recent IPC report, is also increasing in several areas including Jonglei and Upper Nile states. As we have heard, in situations of hunger and famine, women are more vulnerable, often facing increased risks of gender-based violence.
All parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and allow unfettered access to humanitarian actors.
Third,
UNMISS continues to be a key pillar of stability and security in South Sudan.
We express our full support to the Mission and its mandated tasks including protection of civilians, but also its good offices, which remain important.
However, the Mission must be enabled and resourced to operate effectively.
We condemn continued violations of the Status-of-Forces Agreement, the consequences of which are ultimately borne by the people of South Sudan.
In closing,
The people of South Sudan have waited too long for the promises of the Peace Agreement to be fulfilled by their leaders.
Denmark will continue to support regional efforts and UNMISS in advancing peace, protecting civilians and creating the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition.
