{"analytics_identifier":null,"base_path":"/government/speeches/south-sudans-authorities-must-allow-unmiss-to-operate-without-obstruction-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council","content_id":"ff9e895e-059c-45f5-a0d6-3c6721ec2d40","description":"Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan","details":{"body":"<div class=\"govspeak\"><p>I begin by expressing our condolences to the families of the three UN peacekeepers killed in Jonglei in August, and wish those injured a swift recovery.</p>\n\n<p>The United Kingdom condemns attacks against UN peacekeepers, who work in extraordinarily difficult circumstances to protect civilians. </p>\n\n<p>We recall that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.</p>\n\n<p>I will make three points.</p>\n\n<p>First, South Sudan is approaching a critical point in its transition.</p>\n\n<p>The South Sudanese people have the right to choose their leaders and hold them to account. </p>\n\n<p>But elections must seek to contribute to peace and stability, not deepen division or become a substitute for the political process.</p>\n\n<p>The establishment of new caretaker arrangements, while key provisions of the 2018 Peace Agreement remain unfulfilled, has further weakened political consensus at a critical moment.</p>\n\n<p>All parties must now uphold the ceasefire, open political and civic space, and engage seriously in inclusive dialogue. </p>\n\n<p>We welcome the efforts of the African Union, IGAD, Special Representative Gbeho and High Representative Kikwete to support this.</p>\n\n<p>Second, political instability and violence are worsening an already devastating humanitarian crisis.</p>\n\n<p>Renewed conflict is forcing families from their homes, it is deepening hunger and making it harder for humanitarian organisations to reach those most in need. </p>\n\n<p>Conflict across the region is adding to these pressures.</p>\n\n<p>With almost 8 million people already facing acute food insecurity, protecting civilians and preserving humanitarian access must be a priority.</p>\n\n<p>The South Sudanese authorities must ensure safe, timely, and unhindered humanitarian access and seek to protect humanitarian workers.</p>\n\n<p>Public resources continue to be mismanaged, with essential services severely unfunded.</p>\n\n<p>With just 2% of the national budget spent on health and education, the consequences are felt most acutely by the ordinary South Sudanese.</p>\n\n<p>Third, UNMISS remains indispensable to the protection of civilians.</p>\n\n<p>We commend the Mission’s work to deter violence, to protect communities and enable humanitarian access. </p>\n\n<p>But restrictions imposed by the Caretaker Government continue to obstruct that work.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities must honour the Status of Forces Agreement and allow UNMISS to operate without obstruction. </p>\n\n<p>At this particularly fragile moment, the Mission must have the freedom of 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