Delivered by H.E. Amiera Alhefeiti, Deputy Permanent Representative

I would like to thank Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan; and Maj. Gen. (rtd.) Charles Tai Gituai, IGAD RJMEC Interim Chairperson, for their valuable briefings. I also want to thank Ms. Yuyada, for her message and for her call for peace in South Sudan in this council today.

At the outset, I would like to emphasize the UAE’s support to all efforts geared towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of South Sudan, for prosperity, development, and peace.

From our standpoint, the implementation of the “Revitalized Agreement” remains the basis for achieving stability, peace, development, and unity in South Sudan. We hope that the government’s efforts in this regard will lead to a peaceful solution, one which includes a meaningful and comprehensive dialogue with the concerned parties, as well as enhanced women’s participation in the peace process, with the aim of reaching the 35 percent of women participation as per the agreement. In addition, continuing mediation efforts is necessary to enable the parties to move towards a lasting peace. In this context, we appreciate the constructive role of regional and international partners especially the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations.

Despite the efforts made at the political level, the security situation in some areas remains a source of concern, especially in the greater Upper Nile region. This situation requires a comprehensive response, and all parties should exercise restraint. Greater focus should also be placed on protecting civilians, including women and children, who are subjected to violence such as sexual violence and sexual gender-based violence.

Further, the growing repercussions of climate change, especially on the humanitarian and security situations, require special attention. We look forward to continued efforts between UNMISS and the UN country team towards responding to climate and security challenges and commend the collaboration between the Government and UNMISS on leveraging renewable energy for the benefit of local communities.

Furthermore, we have concerns over the increasing humanitarian needs across the country. Recent UN reports indicate that around 8.9 million people require protection and basic services. Addressing these challenges, most urgently the unprecedented levels of food insecurity as well as the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons, requires intensifying collective international efforts while also calling on all parties to ensure humanitarian relief access.

We affirm our support for the efforts of the Special Representative and UNMISS, and we look forward to the Mission’s continued work and coordination with the Government as well as to collective and constructive Council engagement in the context of its mandate renewal.

As part of our pledge to highlight both implementation of resolution 2565 and the contribution of the pandemic to fragility, we would like to emphasize the continued barriers to vaccination in South Sudan. According to WHO, less than 4% of the population is fully vaccinated. We welcome national plans to integrate COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization, and we continue to emphasize the importance of implementing the relevant UNSC resolution.

In conclusion, the UAE supports efforts to promote social and economic development, the values of peaceful coexistence, and stability in South Sudan.

Thank you.