South Sudan Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! == Government and politics == {{Main|Government of South Sudan|Politics of South Sudan}} === Government === [[File:President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Salva Kiir Mayardit]], the first President of South Sudan. His trademark [[Stetson|Stetson hat]] was a gift from United States President [[George W. Bush]].]] [[File:South Sudan Independence.jpg|thumb|South Sudan's presidential guard on Independence Day, 2011]] The now-defunct [[Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly]] ratified a [[Constitution of South Sudan|transitional constitution]]<ref name="transconstit">{{cite web|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4e269a3e2.html|title=The Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011|access-date=12 July 2011|publisher=Government of South Sudan}}</ref> shortly before independence on 9 July 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-passes-interim,39457|title=South Sudan passes interim constitution amid concerns over presidential powers|date=8 July 2011|work=[[Sudan Tribune]]|access-date=24 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711141830/http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-passes-interim,39457|archive-date=11 July 2011}}</ref> The constitution was signed by the [[President of South Sudan]], [[Salva Kiir Mayardit]], on Independence Day and thereby came into force. It is now the supreme law of the land, superseding the Interim Constitution of 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gurtong.brandx.eu/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1atewJwi6UU=&tabid=341|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720154147/http://gurtong.brandx.eu/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1atewJwi6UU=&tabid=341|archive-date=20 July 2011|title=The Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan of 2005}}</ref> The constitution establishes a [[presidential system]] of government headed by a president who is [[head of state]], [[head of government]], and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. It also establishes the [[National Legislature of South Sudan|National Legislature]] comprising two houses: a directly elected assembly, the [[National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan|National Legislative Assembly]], and a second chamber of representatives of the states, the [[Council of States of South Sudan|Council of States]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Henneberg|first=Ingo|date=2013|title=Das politische System des Südsudan|language=German|trans-title=The Political System of South Sudan|journal=Verfassung und Recht in Übersee / Law and Politics in Africa, Asia and Latin America|volume=46|issue=2|pages=174–196|doi=10.5771/0506-7286-2013-2-174|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305220861|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618125722/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305220861_The_Political_System_of_South_Sudan_2011_p_196|archive-date=18 June 2018|doi-access=free}}</ref> [[John Garang]], one of the founders of the SPLA/M, was the president of the autonomous government until his death on 30 July 2005. [[Salva Kiir Mayardit]],<ref name="factbook">{{cite web |date=11 July 2011 |title=South Sudan |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/south-sudan/ |access-date=14 July 2011 |work=[[The World Factbook]] |publisher=[[CIA]]}}</ref> his deputy, was sworn in as [[List of Vice Presidents of Sudan|First Vice President of Sudan]] and [[List of presidents of South Sudan|President of the Government of Southern Sudan]] on 11 August 2005. [[Riek Machar]]<ref name="factbook" /> replaced him as [[List of Vice-Presidents of the Government of South Sudan|Vice-President of the Government]]. Legislative power is vested in the government and the bicameral National Legislature. The constitution also provides for an independent judiciary, the highest organ being the [[Supreme court|Supreme Court]]. On 8 May 2021, South Sudan President [[Salva Kiir]] announced a dissolution of Parliament as part of a 2018 peace deal to set up a new legislative body that will number 550 lawmakers.<ref>{{cite news|title=South Sudan president dissolves parliament as part of peace deal|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/9/south-sudan-president-dissolves-parliament-as-part-of-peace-deal|agency=Al Jazeera|date=9 May 2021}}</ref> According to 2023 [[V-Dem Democracy indices]] South Sudan is 3rd lowest ranked [[democracy in Africa|electoral democracy in Africa]].<ref name="vdem_dataset">{{cite web |last=V-Dem Institute |date=2023 |title=The V-Dem Dataset |url=https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/ |access-date=14 October 2023}}</ref> === National capital project === [[File:South Sudan 003.jpg|thumb|A young South Sudanese girl smiling in traditional attire]] The capital of South Sudan is located at [[Juba]], which is also the state capital of [[Central Equatoria]] and the county seat of the eponymous [[Juba County]], and is the country's largest city. However, due to Juba's poor infrastructure and massive urban growth, as well as its lack of centrality within South Sudan, the South Sudanese Government adopted a resolution in February 2011 to study the creation of a new [[planned city]] to serve as the seat of government.<ref name="rnw">{{cite news|url=http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/new-capital-city-south-sudan|agency=Radio Netherlands|date=6 February 2011|access-date=24 July 2011|title=New capital city for South Sudan?|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629133501/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/new-capital-city-south-sudan|archive-date=29 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="sudtrib">{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-to-establish-a-new,37886|agency=Sudan Tribune|date=6 February 2011|title=South Sudan to establish a new capital city and relocate from Juba after independence|access-date=24 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629051336/https://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-to-establish-a-new,37886|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> It is planned that the capital city will be changed to the more centrally located [[Ramciel]].<ref name=BBCprofile>{{cite news|title=South Sudan profile|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14019208|publisher=BBC|date=5 July 2011|access-date=24 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720232057/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14019208|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> This proposal is functionally similar to construction projects in [[Abuja]], Nigeria; [[Brasília]], Brazil; and [[Canberra]], Australia; among other modern-era planned national capitals. It is unclear how the government will fund the project. In September 2011, a spokesman for the government said the country's political leaders had accepted a proposal to build a new capital at Ramciel,<ref name="relocate">{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-relocates-its-capital,40027|agency=Sudan Tribune|date=3 September 2011|access-date=3 September 2011|title=South Sudan relocates its capital from Juba to Ramciel|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929081441/http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-relocates-its-capital,40027|archive-date=29 September 2011}}</ref> a place in [[Lakes (state)|Lakes]] state near the borders with Central Equatoria and [[Jonglei]]. Ramciel is considered to be the geographical centre of the country,<ref name="search">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.ug/News/regional-news/4130-the-search-for-new-nations-capital-in-south-sudan|agency=The Independent|date=29 April 2011|title=The search for new nation's capital in South Sudan|first=Mashel|last=Amos|access-date=24 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313041336/http://independent.co.ug/news/regional-news/4130-the-search-for-new-nations-capital-in-south-sudan|archive-date=13 March 2016}}</ref> and the late pro-independence leader [[John Garang]] allegedly had plans to relocate the capital there before his death in 2005. The proposal was supported by the Lakes state government and at least one Ramciel tribal chief.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4879/Lakes-Leaders-Visit-Prospective-South-Sudanese-Capital.aspx|agency=Gurtong|date=15 February 2011|access-date=24 July 2011|title=Lakes Leaders Visit Prospective South Sudanese Capital|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328012119/http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4879/Lakes-Leaders-Visit-Prospective-South-Sudanese-Capital.aspx|archive-date=28 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The design, planning, and construction of the city will likely take as many as five years, government ministers said, and the move of national institutions to the new capital will be implemented in stages.<ref name="relocate" /> === States === ==== 2011–2015 ==== [[File:SouthSudanStates.svg|thumb|upright=1.9|The ten states of South Sudan grouped in the three historical provinces of [[Anglo-Egyptian Sudan]] {{legend|#9BCD9B|[[Bahr el Ghazal (region of South Sudan)|Bahr el Ghazal]]}} {{legend|#7AC5CD|[[Equatoria]]}} {{legend|#EEE685|[[Greater Upper Nile]]}}]] Prior to 2015, South Sudan was divided into 10 states, which also correspond to three historical regions: [[Bahr el Ghazal (region of South Sudan)|Bahr el Ghazal]], [[Equatoria]], and [[Greater Upper Nile]]: ;[[Bahr el Ghazal (region of South Sudan)|Bahr el Ghazal]] *[[Northern Bahr el Ghazal]] *[[Western Bahr el Ghazal]] *[[Lakes (state)|Lakes]] *[[Warrap (state)|Warrap]] ;[[Equatoria]] *[[Western Equatoria]] *[[Central Equatoria]] (containing the national capital city of [[Juba]]) *[[Eastern Equatoria]] ;[[Greater Upper Nile]] *[[Jonglei]] *[[Unity (state)|Unity]] *[[Upper Nile (state)|Upper Nile]] The [[Abyei]] Area, a small region of Sudan bordering on the South Sudanese states of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, and Unity, was given special administrative status as a result of the [[Comprehensive Peace Agreement]] signed in 2005. Following the independence of South Sudan in 2011, Abyei is considered to be simultaneously part of both the [[Republic of Sudan]] and the Republic of South Sudan, effectively a [[condominium (international law)|condominium]]. It was due to hold a [[Abyei status referendum, 2011|referendum]] in 2011 on whether to join South Sudan or remain part of the Republic of Sudan, but in May 2011, the Sudanese military seized Abyei, and it is not clear if the referendum will be held.{{cn|date=March 2024}} ==== 2015–2020 ==== [[File:South Sudan-32 States.png|thumb|upright=1.9|The 32 states of South Sudan, after the addition of 4 more states in 2017]] In October 2015, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir issued a decree establishing 28 states in place of the 10 constitutionally established states.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/kiir-and-makuei-want-28-states-s-sudan|title = Kiir and Makuei want 28 states in South Sudan|work = Radio Tamazuj|access-date = 16 October 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208183221/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/kiir-and-makuei-want-28-states-s-sudan|archive-date = 8 December 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The decree established the new states largely along ethnic lines. A number of opposition parties and civil society challenged the constitutionality of this decree and Kiir later resolved to take it to parliament for approval as a constitutional amendment.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/kiir-pressured-taking-decree-parliament-approval|title = Kiir pressured into taking decree to parliament for approval|work = Radio Tamazuj|access-date = 16 October 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304224908/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/kiir-pressured-taking-decree-parliament-approval|archive-date = 4 March 2016|df = dmy-all}}</ref> In November the South Sudanese parliament empowered President Kiir to create new states.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article57484|title = South Sudan's Kiir appoints governors of 28 new states|work = Sudan Tribune|access-date = 13 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160126195523/http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article57484|archive-date = 26 January 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> ;Bar el Ghazal #[[Aweil State|Aweil]] #[[Aweil East]] #[[Eastern Lakes State|Eastern Lakes]] #[[Gogrial State|Gogrial]] #[[Gok State|Gok]] #[[Lol State|Lol]] #[[Tonj State|Tonj]] #[[Twic]] #[[Wau State|Wau]] #[[Western Lakes State|Western Lakes]] ;Equatoria #[[Amadi State|Amadi]] #[[Gbudwe State|Gbudwe]] #[[Torit]] #[[Jubek State|Jubek]] (containing the national capital city of [[Juba]]) #[[Maridi State|Maridi]] #[[Kapoeta State|Kapoeta]] #[[Tambura State|Tambura]] #[[Terekeka State|Terekeka]] #[[Yei River State|Yei River]] ;Greater Upper Nile #[[Boma State|Boma]] #[[Central Upper Nile State|Central Upper Nile]] #[[Akobo State|Akobo]] #[[Northern Upper Nile State|Northern Upper Nile]] #[[Jonglei|Jonglei State]] #[[Latjoor]] #[[Maiwut State|Maiwut]] #[[Northern Liech]] #[[Ruweng State|Ruweng]] #[[Southern Liech]] #[[Bieh State|Bieh]] #[[Fashoda State]] #[[Fangak State]] On 14 January 2017 another four states were created; Central Upper Nile, Northern Upper Nile, Tumbura and Maiwut.<ref>{{cite web|title=South Sudanese President creates four more states|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article61403|website=www.sudantribune.com|date=12 August 2017 |publisher=Sudan Tribune|access-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918153344/http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article61403|archive-date=18 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jan2017 South Sudan|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/crisiswatch/database?location%5B%5D=13&date_range=last_12_months&from_month=01&from_year=2017&to_month=01&to_year=2017|website=International Crisis Group|access-date=6 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905184735/https://www.crisisgroup.org/crisiswatch/database?location%5B%5D=13&date_range=last_12_months&from_month=01&from_year=2017&to_month=01&to_year=2017|archive-date=5 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2020–present==== {{Main|States of South Sudan}} Under the terms of a peace agreement signed on 22 February 2020, South Sudan is divided into 10 states, two administrative areas and one area with special administrative status.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/6-years-war-peace-finally-south-sudan-200223114919537.html|title=After 6 years of war, will peace finally come to South Sudan?|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=d e k u e k|url=https://twitter.com/dekuekd/status/1228596792155000833|title=d e k u e k on Twitter: "So it has been decided that #SouthSudan shall revert to 10 states plus Abyei, Pibor and Ruweng Administrative Areas.‌ "|publisher=Twitter.com|date=15 February 2020|access-date=24 May 2020}}</ref> The [[Kafia Kingi]] area is disputed between South Sudan and Sudan and the [[Ilemi Triangle]] is disputed between South Sudan and Kenya. The states and administrative areas are once again grouped into the three former historical provinces of the Sudan; [[Bahr el Ghazal (region of South Sudan)|Bahr el Ghazal]], [[Equatoria]] and [[Greater Upper Nile]]: ;[[Bahr el Ghazal (region of South Sudan)|Bahr el Ghazal]] *[[Northern Bahr el Ghazal]] *[[Western Bahr el Ghazal]] *[[Lakes (state)|Lakes]] *[[Warrap (state)|Warrap]] ;[[Equatoria]] *[[Western Equatoria]] *[[Central Equatoria]] (containing the national capital city of [[Juba]]) *[[Eastern Equatoria]] ;[[Greater Upper Nile]] *[[Jonglei]] *[[Unity (state)|Unity]] *[[Upper Nile (state)|Upper Nile]] ;Administrative Areas *[[Greater Pibor Administrative Area]] *[[Ruweng Administrative Area]] ;Special Administrative Status Areas *[[Abyei|Abyei Special Administrative Area]] === Military === {{Main|South Sudan People's Defence Forces}} A Defence paper was initiated in 2007 by then Minister for SPLA Affairs [[Dominic Dim Deng]], and a draft was produced in 2008. It declared that Southern Sudan would eventually maintain land, air, and riverine forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27642|title=Juba parliament authorizes establishment of South Sudan air force|date=25 June 2008|work=[[Sudan Tribune]]|access-date=24 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116123534/http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27642|archive-date=16 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aircraft.zurf.info/article/creation-south-sudan-air-force|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212205613/http://aircraft.zurf.info/article/creation-south-sudan-air-force|archive-date=12 February 2011|title=Creation of the South Sudan Air Force|date=9 January 2011|work=aircraft.zurf.info}}</ref> {{As of|2015}}, South Sudan has the third highest military spending as a percentage of GDP in the world, behind only Oman and Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://databank.worldbank.org/data/reports.aspx?source=2&series=MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS&country=|title=The World Bank|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428135151/http://databank.worldbank.org/data/reports.aspx?source=2&series=MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS&country=|archive-date=28 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> === Media{{anchor|Media freedom}} === {{Main|Media of South Sudan}} While former Information Minister [[Barnaba Marial Benjamin]] vowed that South Sudan will respect [[freedom of the press]] and allow journalists unrestricted access in the country, the chief editor of [[Juba]] newspaper ''[[The Citizen (South Sudan)|The Citizen]]'' claimed that in the absence of a formal media law in the fledgling republic, he and his staff have faced abuse at the hands of security forces. This alleged fettering of media freedom was attributed in an [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] report to the difficulty [[SPLM]] has faced in reforming itself as a legitimate government after years of leading a rebellion against the Sudanese government. ''The Citizen'' is South Sudan's largest newspaper, but poor infrastructure and poverty have kept its staff relatively small and limited the efficiency of both its reporting and its circulation outside of Juba, with no dedicated news bureaus in outlying states and newspapers often taking several days to reach states like [[Northern Bahr el Ghazal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/southsudanindependence/2011/07/201171211357184117.html|agency=Al Jazeera English|date=12 July 2011|access-date=12 July 2011|title=South Sudan journalists facing intimidation|first=Gregg|last=Carlstrom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713130342/http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/southsudanindependence/2011/07/201171211357184117.html|archive-date=13 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2020, ''South Sudan Friendship Press'' was established as the country's first dedicated online news website.<ref>{{cite web|title=South Sudan Friendship Press|url=https://www.s-sfp.com/|website=South Sudan FP|language=en|access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref> ''Nile citizens '' is laid out as the nation's committed web-based news site.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nilecitizens.com/category/nile-news-upades/south-sudan/ | title=South Sudan NILE CITIZENS | date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> ==== Censorship ==== On 1 November 2011, South Sudan's National Security Services (NSS) arrested the editor of a private Juba-based daily, ''Destiny'', and suspended its activities indefinitely. This was in response to an opinion article by columnist Dengdit Ayok, entitled "Let Me Say So", which criticized the president for allowing his daughter to marry an Ethiopian national, and accused him of "staining his patriotism". An official letter accused the newspaper of breaking "the media code of conduct and professional ethics", and of publishing "illicit news" that was defamatory, inciting, and invading the privacy of personalities. The [[Committee to Protect Journalists]] had voiced concerns over media freedoms in South Sudan in September.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cpj.org/2011/11/south-sudan-security-detains-two-journalists.php|agency=Committee to Protect Journalists|date=7 November 2011|access-date=8 November 2011|title=South Sudan security detains two journalists|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108005137/http://www.cpj.org/2011/11/south-sudan-security-detains-two-journalists.php|archive-date=8 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The NSS released the journalists without charge after having held them for 18 days.<ref name="Sudan Tribune 2011-11-18" /> In 2015, Salva Kiir threatened to kill journalists who reported "against the country".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34008089|title=South Sudan journalist Peter Moi shot dead|publisher=bbcnews.com|access-date=3 September 2015|date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822232154/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34008089|archive-date=22 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Work conditions have become terrible for journalists, and many have left the country, such as documentarian Ochan Hannington.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dandc.eu/en/article/south-sudanese-filmmaker-ochan-hannington-speaks-about-his-dangerous-work-and-why-he-loves|title= Risking my life|first= Ochan|last= Hannington|date= 31 October 2015|publisher= D+C, development and cooperation|access-date= 21 December 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151122182556/http://www.dandc.eu/en/article/south-sudanese-filmmaker-ochan-hannington-speaks-about-his-dangerous-work-and-why-he-loves|archive-date= 22 November 2015|url-status= live}}</ref> In August 2015, after journalist Peter Moi was killed in a targeted attack, being the seventh journalist killed during the year, South Sudanese journalists held a 24-hour news blackout.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/World/2015/Aug-21/312136-south-sudan-media-blackout-after-reporter-shot-dead.ashx|title=South Sudan media blackout after reporter shot dead|publisher=dailystar.com.lb|access-date=3 September 2015|date=21 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825035239/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/World/2015/Aug-21/312136-south-sudan-media-blackout-after-reporter-shot-dead.ashx|archive-date=25 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2017, a 26-year-old American journalist, Christopher Allen, was killed in [[Kaya, South Sudan|Kaya]], [[Yei River State]], during fighting between government and opposition forces. Christopher Allen was a freelance journalist who had worked for several U.S. news outlets. He had been reportedly embedded with the opposition forces in South Sudan for a week before he was killed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.southsudan.biz/2017/08/27/us-journalist-killed-in-yei-river/|title=US journalist killed in Yei River|publisher=southsudan.biz|access-date=19 September 2017|date=27 August 2017}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> The same month, President Salva Kiir said the millions of civilians fleeing South Sudan were being driven by the propaganda from social media users conspiring against his government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.southsudan.biz/2017/08/28/south-sudan-president-downplays-refugee-crisis-blames-social-media/|title=South Sudan president downplays refugee crisis, blames social media|publisher=southsudan.biz|access-date=19 September 2017|date=28 August 2017}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Just a month prior in July 2017, access to major news websites and popular blogs including [[Sudan Tribune]] and [https://radiotamazuj.org/en Radio Tamazuj] had been blocked by the government without formal notice.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.com/en/south-sudan-blocks-access-to-independent-websites/a-39786961|title=South Sudan blocks access to independent websites|publisher=dw.com|access-date=19 September 2017|date=21 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909044730/http://www.dw.com/en/south-sudan-blocks-access-to-independent-websites/a-39786961|archive-date=9 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, access to [[Sudans Post]], a local news website, was blocked by the government following the publication of an article deemed defamatory by the NSS.<ref>{{Cite book|date=23 December 2020|title=World Report 2021: Rights Trends in South Sudan|chapter=South Sudan: Events of 2020|url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/south-sudan|access-date=16 June 2021|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en}}</ref> Two months later, Qurium Media Foundation, a Swedish non-profit organization, announced that it has deployed a mirror for the website to circumvent the government blocking.<ref>{{Cite web|title="Sudans Post" gets blocked after receiving personal threats from NSS – transcript revealed – Qurium Media Foundation|url=https://www.qurium.org/alerts/blocked-sudans-post-received-threats-for-achai-wiir-related-articles/|access-date=16 June 2021|language=en-GB}}</ref> === Foreign relations === {{Main|Foreign relations of South Sudan}} [[File:Secretary Kerry Meets With South Sudan President Kiir (3).jpg|thumb|U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] meets with President Salva Kiir, 26 May 2013.]] Since independence, relations with Sudan have been changing. Sudan's President [[Omar al-Bashir]] first announced, in January 2011, that dual citizenship in the North and the South would be allowed,<ref name="BBC independence">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12144675|title=Southern Sudan votes on independence|author=Ross, Will|publisher=BBC|date=9 January 2011|access-date=2 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401085955/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12144675|archive-date=1 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> but upon the independence of South Sudan he retracted the offer. He has also suggested an EU-style confederation.<ref name="BBC 9 July">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14089843|title=South Sudan becomes an independent nation|work=BBC News|date=9 July 2011|access-date=9 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709112842/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14089843|archive-date=9 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Essam Sharaf]], Prime Minister of Egypt after the [[Egyptian revolution of 2011|2011 Egyptian Revolution]], made his first foreign visit to [[Khartoum]] and [[Juba]] in the lead-up to South Sudan's secession.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1041/eg1.htm|title=AlAhram Weekly – Heading for headwaters|publisher=Weekly.ahram.org.eg|date=6 April 2011|access-date=2 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023114713/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1041/eg1.htm|archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> Israel quickly recognized South Sudan as an independent country,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lior|first=Ilan|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-israel-recognizes-south-sudan-as-independent-state-1.372460|title=Netanyahu: Israel recognizes South Sudan as independent state|journal=Haaretz|date=10 July 2011|access-date=2 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221180853/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-israel-recognizes-south-sudan-as-independent-state-1.372460|archive-date=21 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and is host to thousands of [[Sudanese refugees in Israel|refugees from South Sudan]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/17/120-south-sudanese-leaving-israel-under-pressure/|title=120 South Sudanese leaving Israel under pressure|newspaper=[[Fox News]]|date=17 June 2012|access-date=22 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624044509/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/17/120-south-sudanese-leaving-israel-under-pressure/|archive-date=24 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> who now face deportation to their native country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-southsudan-idUSBRE85G0PA20120617|title=Israel launches African migrant deportation drive|newspaper=[[Reuters]]|date=17 June 2012|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924164638/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/17/us-israel-southsudan-idUSBRE85G0PA20120617|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95685/SOUTH-SUDAN-ISRAEL-Returnees-complain-of-harsh-treatment-in-Israel|title=IRIN Middle East | SOUTH SUDAN-ISRAEL: Returnees complain of harsh treatment in Israel | Israel | South Sudan | Early Warning | Economy | Governance | Human Rights | Migration|publisher=Irinnews.org|date=19 June 2012|access-date=21 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223207/http://www.irinnews.org/report/95685/south-sudan-israel-returnees-complain-of-harsh-treatment-in-israel|archive-date=2 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> According to American sources, President Obama officially recognised the new state after [[Sudan]], Egypt, Germany and Kenya were among the first to recognise the country's independence on 8 July 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sudan-usa-obama-idUSTRE76817120110709|title=Obama grants U.S. recognition of South Sudan|journal=Reuters|first=Matt|last=Spetalnick|date=9 July 2011|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028201754/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sudan-usa-obama-idUSTRE76817120110709|archive-date=28 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>D. H. Johnson, ''The Root Causes of Sudan's Civil Wars''</ref> Several states that participated in the international negotiations concluded with a self-determination referendum were also quick to acknowledge the overwhelming result. The Rationalist process included Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Eritrea, the United Kingdom and Norway.<ref>{{ citation| first=Fernando| last=Prieto| title=Did the US act as a 'defensive-positionalist' power and was it primary moved by local and regional stability concerns when it recognized South Sudan in 2011?| work=Research Study SIS 686| date= 18 November 2014}}</ref>{{efn| See table in [[Foreign relations of South Sudan]] with footnotes for early recognition countries.}} South Sudan is a member state of the United Nations,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14151390|agency=BBC News|date=14 July 2011|access-date=14 July 2011|title=UN welcomes South Sudan as 193rd member|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714202229/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14151390|archive-date=14 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[African Union]],<ref name="au54" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.au.int/en/content/peace-and-security-council-african-union-au-its-285th-meeting-held-13-july-2011-was-briefe-1|date=13 July 2011|access-date=15 July 2011|title=The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 285th meeting held on 13 July 2011, was briefed by the Commissioner for Peace and Security on the accession to independence of the Republic of South Sudan|agency=African Union|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504162230/http://www.au.int/en/content/peace-and-security-council-african-union-au-its-285th-meeting-held-13-july-2011-was-briefe-1|archive-date=4 May 2012}}</ref> the [[East African Community]],<ref name="en.igihe.com" /><ref name=bw1>{{cite web|url=http://www.busiweek.com/11/editorial/editorial/1316-welcome-south-sudan-to-eac|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927010848/http://www.busiweek.com/11/editorial/editorial/1316-welcome-south-sudan-to-eac|archive-date=27 September 2011|publisher=East African Business Week|title=Welcome South Sudan to EAC!|date=10 July 2011|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="sudantribune1">{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-avails-new-foreign,39637|agency=Sudan Tribune|title=South Sudan avails new foreign policy, to open 54 embassies|date=25 July 2011|access-date=6 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110729051637/https://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-avails-new-foreign,39637|archive-date=29 July 2011}}</ref> and the [[Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={62d78860-a792-475c-bff9-0722d5d61d3e}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403034148/http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid=%7B62d78860-a792-475c-bff9-0722d5d61d3e%7D|archive-date=3 April 2012|agency=MENAFN.com|title=COMESA Welcomes New Member|date=31 October 2011|access-date=13 November 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> South Sudan plans to join the [[Commonwealth of Nations]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://talkofsudan.com/sudan/item/9001-south-sudan-launches-bid-to-join-commonwealth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712044345/http://talkofsudan.com/sudan/item/9001-south-sudan-launches-bid-to-join-commonwealth|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 July 2011|agency=Gurtong News via Talk of Sudan|date=8 July 2011|access-date=9 July 2011|title=South Sudan Launches Bid to Join Commonwealth}}</ref> the [[International Monetary Fund]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11145.htm|agency=International Monetary Fund|title=IMF Receives Membership Application from South Sudan, Seeks Contributions to Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Help New Country|date=20 April 2011|access-date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424085250/http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11145.htm|archive-date=24 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> [[OPEC Plus|OPEC+]], and the [[World Bank]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://finchannel.com/news_flash/World/90526_World_Bank_Group_Congratulates_People_of_South_Sudan_on_Independence/|agency=The Financial|date=9 July 2011|access-date=10 July 2011|title=World Bank Group Congratulates People of South Sudan on Independence|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711063900/http://finchannel.com/news_flash/World/90526_World_Bank_Group_Congratulates_People_of_South_Sudan_on_Independence/|archive-date=11 July 2011}}</ref> Some international trade organizations categorize South Sudan as part of the [[Greater Horn of Africa]].<ref>Maxwell, Daniel, and Ben Watkins. "Humanitarian information systems and emergencies in the Greater Horn of Africa: logical components and logical linkages." Disasters 27.1 (2003): 72–90.</ref> Full membership in the [[Arab League]] has been assured, should the country's government choose to seek it,<ref name="sdntribuneArabLg">{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-entitled-to-join-Arab,39193|agency=Sudan Tribune|date=12 June 2011|access-date=8 July 2011|title=South Sudan "entitled to join Arab League"|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062631/https://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-entitled-to-join-Arab,39193|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> though it could also opt for observer status.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1055/re10.htm|agency=Al-Ahram|date=7 July 2011|access-date=8 July 2011|title=Hoping for the best|first=Asmaa|last=El-Husseini|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711201000/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1055/re10.htm|archive-date=11 July 2011}}</ref> It was admitted to UNESCO on 3 November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gossmission.org/goss/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1263&Itemid=1|title=South Sudan is UNESCO's 194th member|publisher=Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC|date=3 November 2011|access-date=1 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129094633/http://www.gossmission.org/goss/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1263&Itemid=1|archive-date=29 November 2011|url-status=usurped}}</ref> On 25 November 2011, it officially joined the [[Intergovernmental Authority on Development]], a regional grouping of [[East Africa]]n states.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE7AO0A820111125|work=Reuters|date=25 November 2011|access-date=25 November 2011|title=East African bloc admits South Sudan as member|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505123658/http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE7AO0A820111125|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The United States supported the 2011 referendum on South Sudan's independence. The ''New York Times'' reported that "South Sudan is in many ways an American creation, carved out of war-torn Sudan in a referendum largely orchestrated by the United States, its fragile institutions nurtured with billions of dollars in American aid."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/04/us/politics/us-is-facing-hard-choices-in-south-sudan.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=3 January 2014|title=U.S. Is Facing Hard Choices in South Sudan|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131143757/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/04/us/politics/us-is-facing-hard-choices-in-south-sudan.html|archive-date=31 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The U.S. government's long-standing sanctions against Sudan were officially removed from applicability to newly independent South Sudan in December 2011, and senior RSS officials participated in a high-level international engagement conference in Washington, D.C., to help connect foreign investors with the RSS and South Sudanese private sector representatives.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2013/204855.htm|title=South Sudan|publisher=State.gov|access-date=21 December 2013}}</ref> Given the interdependence between some sectors of the economy of the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan, certain activities still require OFAC authorization. Absent a licence, current Sudanese sanction regulations will continue to prohibit U.S. persons from dealing in property and interests that benefit Sudan or the Government of Sudan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://southsudan.usembassy.gov/business/doing-business-in-south-sudan.html|title=Doing Business in South Sudan | Embassy of the United States Juba, South Sudan|publisher=Southsudan.usembassy.gov|access-date=21 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101030038/http://southsudan.usembassy.gov/business/doing-business-in-south-sudan.html|archive-date=1 January 2014}}</ref> A 2011 Congressional Research Service report, "The Republic of South Sudan: Opportunities and Challenges for Africa's Newest Country", identifies outstanding political and humanitarian issues as the country forges its future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/170506.pdf|title=Republic of South Sudan: Opportunities and Challenges for Africa's Newest Country|publisher=Congressional Research Service|author=Dagne, Ted|year=2011|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201101335/https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/170506.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2019, UN ambassadors of 37 countries, including South Sudan, signed a joint letter to the [[UNHRC]] defending China's treatment of [[Uyghurs]] in the [[Xinjiang]] region.<ref>{{cite news|title=Which Countries Are For or Against China's Xinjiang Policies?|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/which-countries-are-for-or-against-chinas-xinjiang-policies/|work=[[The Diplomat]]|date=15 July 2019|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716160658/https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/which-countries-are-for-or-against-chinas-xinjiang-policies/|archive-date=16 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> === Human rights === {{Main|Human rights in South Sudan}} Campaigns of atrocities against civilians have been attributed to the SPLA.<ref name="Al Jazeera">{{cite news|title=Sudan: Transcending tribe|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/photo_galleries/africa/201111010324526960.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=30 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317113359/http://english.aljazeera.net//photo_galleries/africa/201111010324526960.html|archive-date=17 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In the SPLA/M's attempt to disarm rebellions among the [[Shilluk people|Shilluk]] and [[Murle people|Murle]], they burned scores of villages, [[rape]]d hundreds of women and girls and killed an untold number of civilians.<ref name=aljazeera>{{cite news|title=Sudan: Transcending tribe|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/photo_galleries/africa/201111010324526960.html|work=[[Al Jazeera English]]|access-date=30 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317113359/http://english.aljazeera.net//photo_galleries/africa/201111010324526960.html|archive-date=17 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Civilians alleging [[torture]] claim fingernails being torn out, burning plastic bags dripped on children to make their parents hand over weapons, and villagers burned alive in their huts if it was suspected that rebels had spent the night there.<ref name=aljazeera /> In May 2011, the SPLA allegedly set fire to over 7,000 homes in [[Unity State]].<ref>{{cite news|title=SPLA set fire to over 7,000 homes in Unity says Mayom county official|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/SPLA-set-fire-to-over-7-000-homes,39010|work=[[Sudan Tribune]]|date=24 May 2011|access-date=9 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629084946/https://www.sudantribune.com/SPLA-set-fire-to-over-7-000-homes,39010|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> The UN reports many of these violations and the frustrated director of one Juba-based international aid agency calls them "human rights abuses off the [[Richter scale]]".<ref name=aljazeera /> In 2010, the [[CIA]] issued a warning that "over the next five years,...a new mass killing or [[genocide]] is most likely to occur in southern Sudan."<ref name=aljazeera /> The [[Nuer White Army]] has stated it wished to "[[genocide|wipe out]] the entire [[Murle people|Murle]] tribe on the face of the earth as the only solution to guarantee long-term security of Nuer's cattle"<ref name=Bloomberg /> and activists, including [[Minority Rights Group International]], warned of genocide in [[Jonglei]].<ref name=sudantribune2>{{cite news|title=Activists warn of "genocide" in S.Sudan's Jonglei conflict|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/Activists-warn-of-genocide-in-S,41011|work=[[Sudan Tribune]]|date=16 December 2011|access-date=2 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229111823/https://www.sudantribune.com/Activists-warn-of-genocide-in-S,41011|archive-date=29 December 2011}}</ref> At the beginning of 2017, genocide was imminent again.<ref name="D+C">{{cite news|title=Slinding towards genocide|url=https://www.dandc.eu/en/article/urgent-action-needed-south-sudan-deescalate-violent-conflict|work=D+C, development and cooperation|date=13 January 2017|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228075409/https://www.dandc.eu/en/article/urgent-action-needed-south-sudan-deescalate-violent-conflict|archive-date=28 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Peter Abdul Rahaman Sule, the leader of the key opposition group [[United Democratic Front (Sudan)|United Democratic Forum]], has been under arrest since 3 November 2011 over allegations linking him to the formation of a new rebel group fighting against the government.<ref>{{cite news|title=S. Sudan's opposition leader arrested over rebel links|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/Breaking-News-S-Sudan-s-opposition,40624|work=Sudan Tribune|date=4 November 2011|access-date=17 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704181314/http://www.sudantribune.com/Breaking-News-S-Sudan-s-opposition,40624|archive-date=4 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=South Sudan arrests opposition leader turned rebel|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/11/04/175465.html|publisher=AlArabiya|date=4 November 2011|access-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219001953/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/11/04/175465.html|archive-date=19 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[child marriage]] rate in South Sudan is 52%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icrw.org/child-marriage-facts-and-figures|title=Child Marriage Facts and Figures|access-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828070027/https://www.icrw.org/child-marriage-facts-and-figures/|archive-date=28 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[LGBT rights in South Sudan|Homosexual acts]] are illegal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/13/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death-2/|title=Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=16 June 2016|access-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111064457/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/13/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death-2/|archive-date=11 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Recruitment of [[child soldier]]s has also been cited as a serious problem in the country.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29762263|title=Child soldiers still being recruited in South Sudan|journal=BBC News|date=27 October 2014|last1=Burridge|first1=Tom|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010143340/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29762263|archive-date=10 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, [[Navi Pillay]], then the [[UN High Commissioner for Human Rights]], stated that more than 9,000 [[child soldiers]] had been fighting in South Sudan's [[civil war]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27220244|title=South Sudan sides 'recruit 9,000 children to fight'|journal=BBC News|date=30 April 2014|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010103854/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27220244|archive-date=10 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The United Nations rights office has described the situation in the country as "one of the most horrendous [[human rights]] situations in the world". It accused the army and allied militias of allowing fighters to rape women as form of payment for fighting, as well as raid cattle in an agreement of "do what you can, take what you can."<ref name=globalpost>{{cite news|url=http://www.globalpost.com/article/6744906/2016/03/11/s-sudan-lets-fighters-rape-women-place-wages|title=South Sudan lets fighters rape women as payment|publisher=globalpost.com|access-date=24 May 2016|date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519113950/http://www.globalpost.com/article/6744906/2016/03/11/s-sudan-lets-fighters-rape-women-place-wages|archive-date=19 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] claimed the army suffocated more than 60 people accused of supporting the opposition to death in a shipping container.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/03/10/469971475/amnesty-international-says-south-sudan-soldiers-suffocated-60-plus-men-and-boys|title=South Sudan Soldiers Suffocated 60-Plus Men And Boys, Report Says|website=NPR|date=10 March 2016|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040226/https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/03/10/469971475/amnesty-international-says-south-sudan-soldiers-suffocated-60-plus-men-and-boys|archive-date=14 November 2017|url-status=live|last1=Beaubien|first1=Jason}}</ref> On 22 December 2017, at the conclusion of a 12-day visit to the region, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said, "Four years following the start of the current conflict in South Sudan, gross human rights violations continue to be committed in a widespread way by all parties to the conflict, in which civilians are bearing the brunt."<ref name="ohchr.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22562&LangID=E|title=OHCHR – UN human rights experts call for perpetrators of widespread human rights violations to be brought to justice in South Sudan|website=www.ohchr.org|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124071559/http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22562&LangID=E|archive-date=24 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan was established by the Human Rights Council in March 2016.<ref name="ohchr.org"/> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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