Statement delivered by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations at the Security Council briefing on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Mr. President,
I deliver this statement on behalf of the delegations of Slovenia and Guyana in our capacity as informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger in the Security Council.
Colleagues, South Sudan is experiencing a convergence of crises - the recent escalation of political tensions and violence, the fragility of the Peace Agreement, decreased humanitarian funding, relentless climate shocks, an economic recession, a persistent health catastrophe and growing food insecurity.
Guyana and Slovenia are deeply concerned about the impact of these challenges on civilians, particularly for the most food insecure. According to the latest IPC report on South Sudan issued in November 2024, an estimated 7.7 million South Sudanese, or 57% of the population, will be severely food insecure between April and July 2025. Refugees and returnees fleeing the war in Sudan are at particular risk, with about 31.000 being at risk of famine.
We are deeply disturbed by the recent surge of violence, particularly in regions, such as Upper Nile State, Western Equatoria and Greater Bahr El Ghazal regions.
Mr. President,
These developments in South Sudan come on the heels of several preexisting challenges, including, inter alia, the cholera outbreak plaguing the country since October 2024, and climate-induced shocks that frequently result in region-wide floods, such as that which devastated agriculture lands in Jonglei State.
Limited food supplies are also a source of tension, reinforcing the relationship between food insecurity and conflict. Active conflict is further hampering humanitarian operations with food distribution being currently put on hold in six states due to insecurity, deepening operational challenges in an environment already seen as one of the most dangerous for humanitarian workers.
Against this backdrop, Guyana and Slovenia underscore the following points:
One, international humanitarian law (IHL) mandates the protection of objects indispensable to civilian survival, including foodstuffs, agricultural areas, crops, and livestock. IHL further limits actions that could impede access to food such as attacks on food supplies or agricultural areas. These measures were further reinforced by this very Council in resolution 2417. We call on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, ensure protection of civilians, and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
Two, the complexity of challenges in South Sudan requires a comprehensive conflict-, climate- and gender-sensitive response that encompasses building resilience, targeted aid, capacity building, addressing obstruction challenges and safe passage for humanitarian workers. Special emphasis is placed on the need for measures to respect and protect humanitarian and United Nations personnel working in South Sudan.
Three, special attention must be given to those who are too often disproportionately affected by conflict, including women, children and displaced persons. Protection risks related to negative coping mechanisms and conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence must be taken into account.
Measures must be put in place to protect the most vulnerable, particularly in advance of the lean season, where the situation is likely to deteriorate without targeted intervention. A unified voice of the Council remains critical in this regard.
I conclude, Mr. President, by reaffirming Guyana’s and Slovenia’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, de-escalation and lasting peace in South Sudan - one in which the full democratic aspirations of its people are realized, including through a peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process. This foundation is a critical step in overcoming the country’s humanitarian and development challenges, including food insecurity.
I thank you.
