Sudan & South Sudan: Challenges to the protection of civilians - Security Council Briefing (UNISFA)

The United Nations of Earth reporting on this issue: "Sudan & South Sudan: Challenges to the protection of civilians - Security Council Briefing (UNISFA)"
The topics: Violet Lusala, Police Commissioner at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), said the improved relationship between Sudan and South Sudan has not yet translated into progress towards finding a political solution for the final status of Abyei. She said challenges to the protection of civilians and UNISFA mandate implementation in general remain, including limited rule of law structures, human rights violations, impediments to humanitarian assistance, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lusala said UNPOL’s efforts have been hampered by the unwillingness of South Sudan to participate in a joint integrated planning exercise for the establishment of Abyei Police Service; failure of both parties to review and endorse the MoU on the handing over of suspects; reluctance by Sudan to issue visas for UNPOL personnel to enable the Police Component to reach the authorized ceiling of 148 Individual Police Officers and the deployment of three Formed Police Units, all of which have affected the Mission’s efforts to address criminality. She stressed that the continued non-establishment of the Abyei Police Service has created a vacuum for local law enforcement, while the lack of basic services such as water, health and education is also a criminogenic factor. The Police Commissioner urged the Council to “impress upon the two governments to immediately establish the Abyei Police Service.” Moreover, she said, “the establishment of the Office of the Public Defender in Abyei would facilitate judicial action and alleviate the conditions in detention facilities. The governments of Sudan and South Sudan should also be encouraged to provide basic services across Abyei. Meanwhile, UNPOL remains committed to continue delivering on its mandate and adapting to the realities on the ground.”


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