U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
May 28, 2021
AS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD
In less than two months, South Sudan will celebrate the tenth anniversary of its independence. July 9, 2011 marked a milestone in the aspirations of the South Sudanese for greater stability and prosperity for all its people. Much more needs to be done to achieve these goals. The resolution the Council adopted today to renew the UN sanctions regime for South Sudan, to include an arms embargo and targeted measures, and the mandate of the Panel of Experts, continues to play a critical role in decreasing conflict and promoting peace.
The United States thanks members of the Security Council for their constructive engagement on this resolution including on the creation of benchmarks that can guide the Council in reviewing sanctions measures. We hope these benchmarks encourage South Sudan’s Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to make important progress on implementing the peace agreement, and ultimately ending the conflict that has been so devastating for South Sudan.
The United States welcomes progress in South Sudan’s peace process and we encourage South Sudan’s leaders to build on recent efforts to reconstitute the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. Implementation of security sector reforms are essential, including the establishment of a unified command structure and redeployment of trained, unified forces.
We continue to recognize the dedicated diplomacy of the region, which is working to build peace in South Sudan. The role of the African Union, IGAD, and other regional players has been and will remain essential.
We urge South Sudan’s leaders to remain focused on addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of their people, respecting human rights, and ensuring accountability, including for sexual and gender-based violence. Too many people – especially women and children – continue to suffer from ongoing violence. This resolution works to safeguard their rights, as we retain the ability to designate individuals and entities for human rights violations and abuses and to deter efforts of spoilers to the peace process.
The United States looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the Security Council, South Sudan, the UN, and other stakeholders in support of peace, stability, justice, and development in South Sudan.
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