At least 519 civilians were killed in conflict-related violence across South Sudan between July and September 2025, a new report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has revealed.
In its latest Quarterly Human Rights Brief, UNMISS documented 295 incidents of conflict-related violence affecting 1,153 civilians, including 396 injured, 159 abducted, and 79 survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
While the total number of incidents dropped by 12 percent compared to the previous quarter, the mission warned that grave human rights abuses continue to threaten civilians, particularly women and children.
“While the decline in casualties this quarter offers a measure of hope, the increase in abductions and sexual violence, and persistent armed hostilities are unacceptable,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS.
Abductions and Sexual Violence spike
The report stated that civilian killings fell by 18 percent and injuries declined by 41 percent, but abductions increased by 20 percent, while cases of conflict-related sexual violence rose by seven percent.
UNMISS said the violations were largely attributed to conventional parties to the conflict, as well as other armed groups and allied militias, operating across several regions.
The most affected areas include Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Western Equatoria, where civilians were exposed to armed confrontations, shelling, aerial bombardments, and targeted airstrikes.
The report noted that “the protection of civilians remains severely compromised due to widespread armed confrontations.”
Displacement and Humanitarian Impact
UNMISS also warned that forced displacement, a direct result of ongoing violence, continues to undermine peace efforts while worsening humanitarian conditions.
The mission said civilians especially women and children face heightened risks, including food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and exposure to gender-based violence.
Call for Accountability
UNMISS urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and to recommit to civilian protection.
“All parties must respect international humanitarian and human rights law and recommit to protecting civilians. Accountability for violations and respect for human rights remain essential for building trust, reconciliation, and a durable peace in South Sudan,” Gbeho said.
The mission said it will continue working with national, state, and local authorities, community leaders, and partners to strengthen civilian protection and promote accountability.
A Persistent Pattern of Abuse
The latest findings align with previous UNMISS reports, which have consistently documented high levels of civilian harm despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
In earlier quarters of 2024 and early 2025, UNMISS recorded hundreds of civilian deaths each quarter, with Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity states repeatedly identified as epicenters of violence driven by intercommunal clashes, political tensions, and armed group activity.
Past reports have also highlighted systemic impunity, limited access to justice, and slow implementation of key peace agreement provisions, including security sector reform and accountability mechanisms.
Despite repeated commitments by political leaders, UNMISS says civilians continue to bear the brunt of South Sudan’s fragile security situation.
