Comments on the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in South Sudan from 6 to 15 November 2013.
The Government of South Sudan expresses its appreciation to the visit of the Special Rapporteur, Dr Chaloka Beyani in order to acquaint himself with the conditions of the internally displaced persons in South Sudan. During his visit he has gathered a lot of information on the situation of IDPs which constitute the basis of rending his Report. The Report reflects his findings and observations taking into consideration the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement which seek to protect all internally displaced persons in internal conflict situations, natural disasters and other situations of forced displacement.
These Principles are consistent with international human rights law and international humanitarian law and other international standards relevant to the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons.The Government appreciates the Special Rapporteur’s Report which is designed to address the challenges the IDPs are facing in the Republic of South Sudan due to a number of factors. The Government is also appreciative of the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on issues relating to improving the conditions of IDPs and supporting the institutional capacity building in collaboration with other stakeholders. However, the Report contains quite a number of issues of concern which deserve clarifications. In order to clarify the position of the Government, the Government has made the following comments on the preceding paragraphs of the Report.