Despite reductions in the overall number of conflict-related incidents in South Sudan, a rise in abductions and sexual violence is concerning, the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, UNMISS, said on Friday.

The United Nations on Friday condemned the killing of a civilian staff member serving with its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), calling on the authorities to swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

UNMISSreleaseditslatest quarterly human rights brief, coveringJuly to September 2025 a periodmarked by a continued deterioration in the political and security situation.

Factorsincluded persistent inter/intra-communal violence involving community-based militias and/or civildefencegroups; hostilities between thewarring partiesand other armed groupsincludingthe alleged involvement of foreign forcespoliticaltensions between the ruling party and the opposition, and ethnic polarisation.

Killings and other abuse

The brief documents 295 incidents of conflict-related violence,impacting1,153 civilians, with166 women, and 93 children (46 boys and 47 girls) among them.

Of this number,519civilianswerekilled, 396 injured, 159 abducted, and 79 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence(CRSV).

Thisrepresentsa12 percent decrease in the number of incidents and a 24 percent decrease in the total number of victims compared to the previous quarter.

Dashed hope

Yet despite an 18 percent decrease in civilian killings and a 41 percent reduction in injuries,abductions increased by20 percentalongsidea seven percent rise in CRSV cases.

While thedecline in casualties this quarter offers a measure of hope, the increase in abductions and sexual violence, and persistent armed hostilities are unacceptable,saidAnita KikiGbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS.

The brief reveals that the protection of civiliansremainsseverely compromised due to widespread armed confrontations, shelling, aerial bombardments, and targeted airstrikes in parts of Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Western BahrelGhazal, and Western Equatoria states.

Moreover, forced displacementadirect consequence of ongoing violencecontinuesunderminingpeacebuilding efforts, while also exposing civilianstogreaterrisks and severe humanitarian needs.

Ms.Ghebourged all parties torespect international humanitarian and human rights law andtorecommit to protecting civilians.

Accountability for violations and respect for human rights remain essential for building trust, reconciliation, and a durable peacein South Sudan,shesaid.