Thank you Mr. President,

I speak on behalf of the Benelux countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We align with the statement made by the European Union.

We are gravely concerned about the human rights situation in South Sudan which has deteriorated even further due to and following the clashes in Nasir in March 2025. The ensuing intensified conflict and violence, the entrenched impunity and elite capture of public resources is having a devastating effect on civilians, and exacerbates an increasingly dire humanitarian situation. We are abhorred by the persistent pattern of grave violations against children and sexual and gender-based violence. 

Following the events in March, the authorities have effectively sidelined the opposition through the replacement of ministers and senior military, and arrests, detentions and criminal proceedings. These and other violations of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement have brought its implementation to a standstill. 

This situation is both unacceptable and untenable. The people of South Sudan deserve full respect for and protection of their human rights, as well as lasting peace and justice.

Mr. President,