Secretary-General Statements

Thank you for being here today to discuss the critical situation in South Sudan. For years, South Sudan struggled to gain their independence.  Now it is struggling for survival.   Rarely have such high hopes been squandered so quickly.  Time and again, the country’s leaders have resorted to weapons and identity politics to resolve their differences. The children, women and men of South Sudan are paying with their lives. 

Peacebuilding is at the core of the United Nations’ activities in conflict-affected countries throughout the world. The recent historic resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and this Council emphasize that sustaining peace is a shared responsibility of Governments, national stakeholders and the United Nations. Peace in Africa is a top priority. As we meet, South Sudan remains precariously poised on the brink of an abyss. The promises of the new State for peace, justice and opportunity have been squandered.

 am shocked and appalled by the heavy fighting that is currently taking place in Juba. I strongly urge President Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar to do everything within their power to de-escalate the hostilities immediately and to order their respective forces to disengage and withdraw to their bases. This senseless violence is unacceptable and has the potential of reversing the progress made so far in the peace process.

Today we join together in this solemn ceremony to honour the memory of the 129 men and woman who lost their lives last year while serving under the United Nations flag. These brave personnel came from 50 countries. They were international and national. They were military and police. They were civilians and UN Volunteers. They served in different jobs – but they held fast to the same universal values. Some were killed in malicious attacks. Others died in accidents. Still others fell to disease. They were all heroes and heroines who we will never forget.