10.02.2026 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Briefing on South Sudan & Unmiss
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Thank you, Mr. President.
And I also thank USG Lacroix and our briefers for their remarks.
Mr. President,
South Sudan is on the brink of collapse. The revitalised peace agreement is under direct threat by the transitional leadership, while the people of South Sudan face growing human rights violations, displacement and violence. Statements and direct incitements to violence against civilians risk further adding fuel to this fire.
Without direct action, there is, as we heard from our briefers, a real possibility of all-out war and disastrous consequences for regional peace and security.
An immediate cessation of hostilities and a decisive return to the full implementation of the Peace Agreement, has never been more critical. This remains the key framework, which confers legitimacy on the transitional government, while providing the only viable roadmap to peace.
Regrettably, this agreement has been gradually and consistently hollowed out by unilateral amendments, with which we strongly disagree.
We reject the Transitional Government’s trajectory of consolidating power and marginalizing the opposition. There is an urgent need for a genuine national, inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders. It is time to demonstrate real commitment to a democratic transition that serves the people of South Sudan, not its political elite.
We also remain deeply concerned over the detention and trial of Vice President Machar and other opposition figures. We call for strict adherence to a process and to the provision of transparent and credible evidence.
Further, Denmark supports the efforts of the AU High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, while calling for strong alignment between all existing initiatives.
Mr. President,
The humanitarian situation has sharply deteriorated. Jonglei has become a flashpoint for fighting, triggering mass displacement and civilian suffering.
Denmark condemns continued restrictions on humanitarian access imposed by the Transitional Government in parts of opposition-held areas. Civilians must never be used as leverage in a political rivalry.
We are further appalled by continued attacks and intimidation against humanitarians in South Sudan. This includes the repeated attacks on a WFP convoy in Upper Nile State which led to the suspension of food aid.
Furthermore, just last week, an MSF hospital in Jonglei – serving over 250,000 people - was targeted in an airstrike which destroyed a warehouse containing medical supplies.
Such attacks seriously undermine the protection of the medical personnel in armed conflict. And should be condemned by this council as mentioned by Under-Secretary-General Lacroix.
At the same time, the human rights situation remains deeply troubling including alarming levels of conflict-related sexual violence. All parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times.
Mr. President, in this time of insecurity, UNMISS offers stability, protection and support for the most vulnerable.
Denmark fully supports the Mission, and reiterates that it must be enabled to operate and resourced to fully deliver its mandate, especially protection of civilians. Continued SOFA violations by the transitional government, run directly counter to this mandate.
We condemn the killing of an UNMISS staff member in Wau in December 2025. The safety and security of UN personnel must be guaranteed in accordance with international law.
In closing,
As we face the real risk of widespread conflict in South Sudan, we believe it is incumbent on this Council to speak out, forcefully and in one voice. To demand an end to the violence. To insist that the Peace Agreement is upheld.
Ultimately the power to change course rests with the South Sudanese leaders. We call on them to act now, to commit to peace and to respect the dignity, well-being and fundamental rights of all the people of South Sudan.
Thank you.