Jonglei State, South Sudan — The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has expressed grave concern following reports that human remains have been uncovered in Jonglei State, warning that the full extent of suffering linked to renewed violence in the country may be far greater than currently documented.
According to preliminary information, the remains were discovered during ongoing road construction works in the area. While early indications suggest they may belong to combatants killed in previous clashes, the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths and burial remain unclear—raising fears of the existence of unmarked graves across conflict-affected regions.
The development comes amid escalating violence in parts of South Sudan, particularly around Akobo, where intense fighting has reportedly led to shifting territorial control between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and opposition forces aligned with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
“This is deeply troubling,” said Yasmin Sooka. “The discovery of human remains in a conflict-affected area is always a matter of serious concern. While facts are still emerging, it is essential that these sites are handled with care and in accordance with proper procedures to establish the truth.”
She warned that the possibility of unmarked graves points to a more disturbing reality in which the full scale of human suffering may be concealed.
The Commission emphasized the urgent need to secure and preserve any burial sites for independent, impartial, and professional investigation, including forensic examination in line with international standards.
Commissioner Barney Afako underscored the importance of due process, noting that improper handling of such sites risks the loss of critical evidence.
“Proper handling of burial sites is essential not only for accountability but also for preserving forensic evidence,” Afako stated. “When conflict intensifies with limited transparency and weak accountability, there is a real risk that serious violations are occurring beyond public view. This is precisely the moment for urgent political intervention.”
The Commission further warned that the resurgence of hostilities signals a broader deterioration of South Sudan’s fragile peace process, raising fears of a return to patterns of violence that have previously resulted in mass atrocities.
Highlighting the legal implications, Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández stressed that the discovery of graves linked to conflict requires prompt, independent, and impartial investigations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
“Families have the right to know the fate and whereabouts of their relatives, and to have their remains treated with dignity,” he said. “All efforts must be made to ensure proper identification where possible and that those responsible are held accountable. Failure to do so risks entrenching impunity.”
The Commission has called on South Sudanese authorities to immediately secure the sites, adhere to established investigative procedures, and facilitate independent verification efforts.
Established in 2016 by the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is mandated to monitor and report on human rights conditions in the country and to support efforts toward accountability, reconciliation, and justice.
As investigations remain in the early stages, the Commission maintains that transparency and adherence to international standards will be critical in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
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