Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in South Sudan

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for three months as a technical rollover to allow for the completion of a strategic review of the UN mission.

The Security Council also adopted a presidential statement on South Sudan, expressing deep concern about the political, security, humanitarian, human rights, and economic situation in the war-torn country.

The council is deeply concerned about the actions of the parties to the conflict that are perpetuating the dire situation, with 7.6 million people now in need of aid, 4 million displaced, and 6 million lacking enough food to feed themselves, says the statement.

The Security Council deplored that the parties have failed to honor their commitments to a cease-fire and to allowing the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

It took note of the cease-fire initiative by the South Sudanese government, called on the government to adhere to its cease-fire, and urged the opposition to reciprocate.

The Security Council strongly urged all parties to engage constructively in an African-led process to revitalize peace.

The council condemned all instances of attacks against civilians and the military use of hospitals and schools, and recalled that the UNMISS mandate includes monitoring, investigating, verifying, and reporting on abuses and violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including those that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

It reiterated that perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights must be held accountable, in order to break the prevailing cycle of impunity.

Shortly after its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan plunged into civil war. Up to 300,000 people are estimated to have been killed since late 2013. More than 1.5 million people having fled to neighboring countries, more are internally displaced. Enditem