GENEVA

The UN human rights chief on Friday expressed alarm at the fast-deteriorating human rights situation in South Sudan, warning that escalating violence has killed nearly 2,000 civilians since January.

According to the UN human rights office, at least 1,854 civilians were killed, 1,693 injured, 423 abducted and 169 subjected to sexual violence from January to September. The figures represent a 59% rise compared to the same period last year, though the actual toll is believed to be higher due to access restrictions in conflict-affected areas, it noted.

"With fears of a collapse of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and a return to widespread violence intensifying, I deeply worry for the plight of civilians in South Sudan," Volker Turk said in a statement. "I urge the parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement and the international community, including regional bodies, to do everything in their power to pull South Sudan from the brink; to ensure the hard-won agreement holds and is fully implemented."

The statement also drew attention to the indiscriminate airstrikes in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, Central Equatoria, and Warrap states since March, leading to civilian deaths, mass displacement, and the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities. Communal violence has also surged, particularly in Warrap and Jonglei, with a 33% year-on-year increase in casualties, the office said.

"Men, women and children have been killed, injured and displaced, and homes, schools, health centres and other infrastructure destroyed, with devastating consequences on civilians. This is unconscionable and must stop," Turk stressed. "“I implore the South Sudanese military and all other armed actors to ensure protection of civilians and to uphold all their obligations under international humanitarian law."

Court proceedings opened this month against First Vice President Riek Machar and other opposition leaders. The human rights chief cautioned that it is "imperative" that the ongoing judicial proceedings fully comply with international human rights standards.