The Security Council’s forthcoming discussion on South Sudan should be informed by gender-sensitive analysis of the drivers of the conflict, including widespread inequality, the exclusionary nature of peace and political efforts, lack of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the widespread availability of weapons, continued impunity, and the impacts of climate change. The resulting situation is characterized by violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, forced displacement, and food insecurity. Of the 9 million people estimated to be in critical need in 2024, 24% are women. South Sudan is one of the countries of highest concern for starvation, with associated risks for groups such as children, people with disabilities, and those who are pregnant and lactating. Continued food insecurity also presents other protection risks, including gender-based violence and early, child, and forced marriage. Approximately 588,000 people have entered the country from Sudan since that conflict began in April 2023, compounding existing humanitarian needs. Access to humanitarian assistance has been severely curtailed due to attacks on humanitarian workers, restrictions on the work of civil society organizations, bureaucratic barriers, and operational interference. Prevention of conflict-related sexual violence, risk mitigation, and scale-up of response services must be a priority. The unprecedented shrinking of civic and political space, and threats and reprisals against women human rights defenders and peacebuilders, are a concerning indicator of backsliding into violence.

There has been limited to no progress in implementing crucial provisions of the R-ARCSS. Key aspects of the agreement remain incomplete or barely initiated. Increased efforts must be made to ensure the inclusion of diverse women in the peace process and their representation in the government, national ministries, and as state governors, which currently falls short of the 35% quota required in the R-ARCSS. Both UN officials and civil society have expressed concern about the increased human rights violations that continue to undermine preparation for elections. Ahead of the elections scheduled for December 2024, civic space must be protected, and women must be able to meaningfully and safely participate as candidates, poll workers, and voters. Planning for regional humanitarian needs is critical in case of displacement due to potential election-motivated violence, alongside the continued impacts of the regional crisis in neighboring Sudan. Momentum should be leveraged to finalize the proposed Anti Gender-Based Violence Bill, which has been pending since 2020, in order to address impunity and protect the human rights of women and girls. Recent fighting in Abyei and Greater Pibor Administrative Areas, as well as in Jonglei, Warrap, Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, and Central Equatoria States, has led to a rise in human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence. Given the above context, the current sanctions regime, including an arms embargo, asset freezes, and travel bans, should be renewed and fully implemented.