UN Condemns Aerial Bombing of MSF Hospital in South Sudan

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has strongly condemned the aerial bombing of a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State, labeling it a potential war crime and a grave breach of international humanitarian law.

In a statement extended to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper on Tuesday the UN Commission noted that the destruction of the hospital and its pharmacy has cut off tens of thousands of people from essential, life-saving medical care.

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Key Points:

• The airstrike completely destroyed the medical facility in Old Fangak.
• At least seven civilians were killed, and many others were injured.
• The attack has left over 40,000 people without access to critical healthcare services.

International Response

The UN Commission highlighted that the attack followed a public threat issued by the SSPDF and expressed concerns over ethnic profiling in South Sudan.

Statements:

• Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, labeled the attack as a flagrant war crime.
• Commissioner Barney Afako criticized the designation of Fangak as ‘hostile’ based on ethnicity.
• Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández emphasized the inhumanity of targeting medical facilities.

Concerns and Calls for Action

The UN Commission warned that the escalating violence in South Sudan poses a significant threat to the country’s transition and urged international bodies to prioritize the protection of civilians.

Recommendations:

• Press signatories of the Peace Agreement to return to political dialogue.
• Urgently address the growing impunity and disregard for human life in the region.
• Respond decisively to prevent further attacks and violations of the cessation of hostilities.

“The path South Sudan is currently on is perilous,” Sooka cautioned. “If attacks like these continue with impunity, the Peace Agreement risks becoming meaningless. The AU, IGAD and the international community must respond decisively.”

The Commission reiterated its warning that repeated violations of the cessation of hostilities are pushing South Sudan dangerously close to another nationwide conflict.