Countries commit to advancing women's rights in South Sudan amid rising tensions

The Joint Security Council Media Stakeout at the United Nations on April 17, 2025, focused on the critical issues surrounding Women, Peace, and Security, particularly in South Sudan. Representatives from Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and France expressed their commitment to improving the situation for women and girls in the region.

The meeting began with a statement highlighting the escalating tensions in South Sudan. The representatives urged the transitional government to utilize a two-year extension to foster conditions for transparent, free, and fair elections. They emphasized the need for an inclusive process to develop a permanent constitution that reflects the will of the people and to fully implement the commitments outlined in the revitalized peace agreement from February 2018.

As this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, the representatives underscored three key aspects. First, they called for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in all levels of governance and electoral processes in South Sudan. They stressed the importance of implementing the peace agreement's commitment to a 35% quota for women in institutions.

Second, the representatives recognized the vital role of women's organizations in promoting peace and stability, particularly in addressing gender-based violence exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, economic hardships, and climate change. They urged national authorities to implement joint action plans to combat conflict-related violence and to ensure justice for victims, regardless of the perpetrators' rank or affiliation.

Third, they advocated for a rights-based approach for women and girls in South Sudan, in line with international human rights conventions. The representatives called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect human rights defenders.

The meeting concluded with commendations for the efforts of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and its personnel, particularly women protection advisers and gender advisers. The representatives condemned any attacks against UN personnel and stressed the importance of UNMISS's operational capacity, urging the transitional government to cooperate fully with the mission. They expressed their commitment to engaging in negotiations for the renewal of UNMISS's mandate, aiming to further integrate the Women, Peace, and Security agenda into its operations.