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UN-backed probe team begins work in S. Sudan

Xinhua, September 10, 2016 Adjust font size:

An independent special investigation team appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to probe UN Mission in South Sudan's (UNMISS) respond to the July violence, begun its work in Juba on Friday.

The team, which is led by Major General Patrick Cammaert, will review reports of incidents of attacks on civilians and cases of sexual violence that occurred within the vicinity of the UN House Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites in Juba.

A statement from the UNMISS said the team will determine whether the mission responded appropriately to prevent and stop these incidents and to protect civilians within its resources and capabilities at the time.

"It is also charged to review the mission's response to the attack on the Terrain Hotel of July 11," UNMISS said in the statement.

"Due to the gravity of these incidents, related allegations and the preliminary findings by UNMISS, the Secretary-General has decided to launch an independent special investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding these incidents and to evaluate the Mission's overall response," the statement said.

The UN chief has reiterated his outrage over the acts of violence committed by the government and opposition forces in Juba from July 8 to 25, during which many South Sudanese civilians and two UN peacekeepers were killed.

The team, comprised of experts with military, human rights and sexual/gender-based violence, and policing and legal backgrounds, is expected to submit its report to Secretary-General within one month. Endit