UNMISS CONDEMNS HEAVY FIGHTING IN THE VICINITY OF ITS BASE IN MELUT
May 20, 2015 (SSB) — The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemns the recent upsurge in fighting which has a direct impact upon UMISS, especially as seen yesterday in Melut.
Two mortar bombs landed within the UNMISS compound and the protection of civilians’ site yesterday evening, resulting in the deaths of 4 civilians, including a woman and a child and severely injuring another 8 civilians who are currently receiving treatment for their wounds.
UNMISS is deeply concerned by the disregard for civilian lives, UN personnel and facilities. “I want to remind the parties of their obligation to take all measures not to harm civilians and guarantee the safety of international aid organizations and United Nations personnel and assets” says Ellen Margrethe Løj, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of the Mission in South Sudan. “I call upon them to respect the sanctity of UN installations and staff, so the United Nations can continue to implement its activities and UNMISS its protection of civilians’ mandate”
Until the outbreak of the recent fighting, UNMISS had been protecting almost 1,000 civilians on its base in Melut. A further 270 displaced persons arrived yesterday on the UNMISS base while another 250 to 350 are currently staying in an area adjacent to the compound.
UNMISS is deeply concerned by the overall escalation of the conflict, and once again calls on the Government and Opposition leadership to immediately cease all hostilities and resume negotiations with a view to signing a comprehensive peace agreement.
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