The United Kingdom condemns these attacks on civilians. We are gravely concerned by the potential effects of this conflict for the currently severely overcrowded Protection of Civilian site in Malakal and on the wider serenity in South Sudan. Second, the need for Government activity to protect their civilians is no clearer than in Upper Nile State; there, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. Third, the situation in Upper Nile plus rising levels of insecurity across South Sudan, require an urgent response from the global community to help save lives. The United Kingdom commends the initiatives of UNMISS to provide defense to civilians and its dexterity with South Sudan. In closing, President, the uk remains committed to the Southern Sudanese people’s quest for serenity, prosperity and democracy. We once again call on the management to deliver real change for its people. Thank you. A coherent, whole of UN approach across humanitarian, advancement and peace priorities is necessary and we endorse the Admin General’s encouragement for the Govt and partners to apply a similar endeavour. Thank you President, and thank you also to SRSG Haysom and our briefers for their updates. The United Kingdom welcomes the passing of the constitution-making bill, as well as the continued graduating of the Necessary Unified Factors.
Such progress is usually long overdue and we desire the Government to capitalise with this momentum and meet the remaining benchmarks within their agreed timelines. This is essential in order for totally free and fair elections to happen before the end of the contract. We call on the Government to protect civilians and create the conditions for an inclusive dialogue to stop the particular violence. Military intervention should never aggravate existing tensions or even pose additional risk in order to civilians. President, I will make three broad points: We also state our call for the Government associated with South Sudan to instantly remove obstructions, and tackle violence against humanitarian employees and civilians. I welcome the update from the Permanent Representative of Gabon. I also welcome the presence of the particular Permanent Representative of South Sudan in our meeting today. First, four months have now passed since Southern Sudan’s Government announced the two-year extension and following roadmap to implement the peace agreement ––progress continues to be woefully slow.
