UN rights chief urges immediate ceasefire in South Sudan as fears of war crimes grow

GENEVA

The UN human rights chief said Tuesday that he is "horrified" by reports of serious violations during the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, adding that some of these acts "may amount to war crimes."

Over the past 17 days, more than 160 civilians have been killed, including at least 139 people on March 1 in Abiemnom locality in the Ruweng Administrative Area, reportedly by fighters from the Bul Nuer ethnic group, according to the human rights office.

Another 21 civilians were killed on Feb. 21 in Pankor village in Jonglei State by government forces.

"Civilians are being brutally killed, injured and displaced on a daily basis across South Sudan as hostilities escalate between the army and opposition forces," Volker Turk said in a statement. "Some of these acts may amount to war crimes."

The office said government forces have also reportedly destroyed or contaminated community water sources, with civilians reporting that around 99 wells were destroyed or poisoned during airstrikes.

Violence has forced more than 280,000 people to flee their homes since late December, including thousands who fled Akobo town after a recent military evacuation order.

"There must a ceasefire as promptly as possible, to save lives and turn this conflict in the direction of a negotiated solution," Turk said.

He urged all parties to resume dialogue and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians.