Documents to download

On 9 July 2015, South Sudan will reach the fourth anniversary of its independence from Sudan. Since December 2013 the country has been in a state of civil war, with the government fighting rebel forces led by the former deputy President. An estimated 50,000 people have died in the conflict so far. A recent report from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan also alleges that the war has seen extreme violence and human rights abuses committed against civilians by government forces. This In Focus Note briefly summarises the background to the conflict and the UN’s recent report on the human rights situation in the country, and highlights some of the attempts to resolve the civil war.


Documents to download

Related posts

  • Youth mobility schemes

    The UK has schemes to allow young people from specific countries to come to the UK to live and work for a limited period of time. In April 2024, the European Commission made a proposal to the European Council to open negotiations with the UK on agreeing a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU. The Labour government has stated that it has no plans for a scheme with the EU. Several organisations have expressed support for it, but others have expressed concern that it would be a return to a form of freedom of movement.

    Youth mobility schemes
  • Rape: Levels of prosecutions

    In the 2021 ‘End-to-end rape review’, the Conservative government pointed to a sharp decrease in rape prosecutions since 2016/17. Issues cited include long delays during the criminal justice process and a lack of specialist support for victims. Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto argued prosecutions were “shamefully low”. It committed to specialist rape and sexual offences teams in every police force and specialist courts to fast-track rape cases.

    Rape: Levels of prosecutions
  • What is the current situation for healthcare in Gaza? Infrastructure damage, risks to health, and UK government response

    Gaza’s healthcare system is in crisis. Most facilities are damaged beyond use, and those remaining open face shortages of water, fuel and medical supplies. Gaza’s 1.9 million displaced people are at risk of malnutrition, starvation and the spread of infectious diseases. The UK government has called for civilians and medics to be protected, for aid and relief agencies to have consistent access, and for an end to the conflict.

    What is the current situation for healthcare in Gaza? Infrastructure damage, risks to health, and UK government response