Konstantinos Thanopoulos, First Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations — Statement at the UN Security Council on South Sudan and UNMISS (10206th Meeting)
6 August 2026
Thank you, Madame President.
I thank SRSG Anita Kiki Gbeho for her briefing, Major-General Owinow and the representative of civil society, Ms. Riziq, for their valuable insights.
The political, security, and humanitarian situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate at an alarming pace with serious implications for regional stability and the prospects for a sustainable peace process. Despite sustained regional and international engagement, the implementation of key provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains seriously behind schedule, while political tensions and insecurity continue to undermine the country’s fragile transition and heighten the risk of a relapse into a wider conflict.
Madame President,
Allow me to highlight three key points.
First, the political situation remains fragile and increasingly uncertain. We are concerned by the continued unilateral amendments to the Revitalized Peace Agreement and the persistent lack of political consensus among the parties. At the same time, progress on constitutional reforms, security sector reform and transitional justice mechanisms remain limited.
The Government has reiterated its intention to hold general elections on the 22nd of December. However, the necessary conditions for credible, peaceful and inclusive elections, such as a conducive political environment, adequate preparation and the meaningful participation of all stakeholders, are still absent.
We therefore echo the Secretary-General’s call for all parties to engage in a genuine dialogue and rebuild trust.
We are also concerned by the continued detention of First Vice President Riek Machar and other political figures. Such developments risk further exacerbating tensions, undermining confidence among the parties and complicating efforts to advance an inclusive political process.
Second, the security situation has continued to deteriorate across several parts of the country, notably The Greater Upper Nile, as well as the provinces of Jonglei, Unity, Central Equatoria and Warrap which remain among the areas most severely affected. Clashes between the parties to the Peace Agreement and their allied forces, aerial bombardments and intercommunal violence continue to exact an unbearable toll on civilians.
We condemn in the strongest terms all acts of conflict-related sexual violence and call for accountability for perpetrators and timely access of survivors to comprehensive, survivor- centered services. We are deeply alarmed by UNMISS reporting of sharp increase in conflict-related sexual violence during the first quarter of 2026.
We are particularly alarmed by continued violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. All perpetrators of such violations must be held accountable. The protection of civilians, particularly women and children, must remain at the center of all national and international efforts.
We are especially concerned by the continued grave violations committed against children, including their recruitment and use by armed actors, as well as the killing and maiming of children. Greece calls on all parties to end all grave violations against children, fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and ensure the safe and sustainable reintegration of children formerly associated with armed forces and armed groups.
Third, the humanitarian situation remains equally dire. More than 420,000 people have been newly displaced since the beginning of the year, nearly 60 per cent of them women and girls.
The health system remains under severe strain, while disease outbreaks, including cholera and polio, continue to exacerbate humanitarian needs. Attacks against humanitarian personnel and restrictions on humanitarian access continue to impede the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of life-saving assistance to those most in need and must cease immediately.
In this regard, Greece reiterates its full support for UNMISS and its indispensable role in protecting civilians, facilitating dialogue and supporting the peace process. We remain concerned by persistent restrictions on the Mission’s freedom of movement and other impediments to the implementation of its mandate, and call on all parties to comply fully with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) to enable UNMISS to implement its mandate effectively.
Madame President,
We reaffirm that a South Sudanese-owned, inclusive and credible political process remains the only viable path towards lasting peace and stability. We welcome, in this respect, the continued regional engagement, particularly by the African Union and IGAD, in support of an inclusive peace and political process.
In conclusion, we call on all South Sudanese stakeholders to demonstrate political will, cease hostilities, uphold the ceasefire, fully implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement and re-engage in meaningful and inclusive dialogue, placing the interests of the South Sudanese people at the center of their efforts.
I thank you.