Statement by Ambassador R. Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative of India, at UNSC Meeting on South Sudan

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December 13, 2022

I will now deliver a statement in my national capacity.

I thank SRSG Nicolas Haysom and RJMEC (Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission) representative [tbc] for their updates on the developments concerning UNMISS. I also thank the Chair of the 2206 Committee Ambassador Michel Xavier Biang for his briefing.

South Sudan has witnessed noteworthy developments during the reporting period. The parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement have agreed on a Roadmap to extend the transitional period to February 2025. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has also endorsed the Roadmap. The Transitional National Legislative Assembly has passed important legislations, including Constitution Making Bill. There is also agreement on the management positions of national commissions.

The successful graduation of first batch of the Necessary Unified Forces has been completed and their deployment plan is expected soon. The efforts to engage non-signatory groups in Sant’Egidio process have continued. The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has completed its review of the National Elections Act. We believe these developments are significant and reassuring. The engagement of the African Union and IGAD with the parties has been an important factor in the progress.

We hope that this progress will be consolidated further in the coming months by ensuring inclusive and broad-based implementation of the Revitalized Agreement. The reconstitution of the Political Parties Council; Constitutional Review Commission; the Constitutional Drafting Committee; and the National Elections Commission needs to be prioritized. The effective and timely implementation of the benchmarks of Roadmap, as well as election preparations, need allocation of financial resources from the authorities.

The persisting incidents of violence, that result in killing and mass displacement of civilians remains a matter of concern. In this regard, deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces should be expedited to ensure security and contribute to intercommunal harmony. The humanitarian situation remains a matter of concern. The international community, including the UN, needs to step up the efforts, in support of the Government. The impediments to delivery of humanitarian assistance need to be removed and violence against humanitarian workers should be stopped immediately.

India has been one of the largest TCCs (troop contributing country) to UNMISS since its establishment. At present we have nearly 2300 troops serving in the country. In addition to their core mandate of protecting civilians and medical services, the Indian contingent in UNMISS is also contributing to the sustainable development and welfare of the people of South Sudan. Over the years, Indian peacekeepers have gone beyond the call of duty by undertaking a variety of social activities in this regard. I am glad to note that the UN has consistently acknowledged the outstanding contribution of the Indian peacekeepers in UNMISS.

To conclude, India has long standing relations with the people of South Sudan. India was the first Asian country to establish a Consulate in Juba in 2007. India has delivered humanitarian assistance to the country in the form of food grains and medicines during the pandemic and before. Our capacity building training programs have been deeply appreciated by the South Sudan Government. We will continue to support South Sudan, and its people in their journey towards securing sustainable peace and a prosperous future.

I now resume my duties as the President.

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