Minister Makuei accuses rights body of one-sided narratives, rejects report
By Emmanuel Mandella
South Sudan’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, has strongly rejected the latest report by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, accusing the body of relying heavily on unverified social media information and presenting what he described as a “one-sided narrative” about the human rights situation in the country.
Speaking during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Makuei said the Commission’s findings do not fairly represent the political, security, and human rights developments taking place in South Sudan.
The justice minister criticized the methodology used in compiling the report, arguing that it lacked direct engagement with the government and failed to recognize progress made since the signing of the peace agreement.
“We strongly reject one-sided narratives that overlook the substantial progress made,” Makuei told the council. “The commission has not been fair and honest in its reports on the human rights situation, political and security developments in South Sudan.”
Makuei said the report was largely based on information gathered from social media platforms rather than direct consultations with state institutions and relevant authorities within the country.
According to him, such an approach undermines the credibility of international reporting mechanisms and risks presenting an inaccurate picture of the situation on the ground.
“I would like to take this opportunity to clarify and respond to the allegations of the commission against the government of South Sudan,” he said. “The commission has relied heavily on social media reports without engaging sufficiently with the government to verify the information.”
The minister further argued that the commission’s reporting has consistently overlooked efforts by the government to stabilize the country and implement reforms following years of conflict.
South Sudan has been working to implement the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, which aims to restore lasting peace and promote democratic governance after a devastating civil war that began in 2013.
Makuei also accused the commission of interfering in the implementation of the peace agreement, alleging that its actions and narratives have sometimes emboldened breakaway factions and complicated the fragile peace process.
“The commission has clearly interfered with the implementation of the agreement and supported splinter breakaway groups,” he said.
The justice minister warned that continued lack of cooperation between the commission and the government could affect the future of the UN human rights mandate in the country.
He urged the Human Rights Council to prioritize constructive engagement with the government instead of what he described as accusatory reporting.
“If this approach continues, there will be no need for renewing the United Nations human rights mandate in South Sudan,” Makuei cautioned.
Instead of criticism, the minister called for increased technical support and capacity building to strengthen national institutions responsible for delivering justice and protecting human rights.
He appealed to international partners to intensify programs aimed at improving governance, legal systems, and service delivery across the country.
“South Sudan needs technical assistance and capacity building programs to be intensified for service delivery in the country,” Makuei said.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan was established by the Human Rights Council to monitor and report on human rights violations in the country and to support accountability efforts.
Its reports have frequently raised concerns about issues including violence against civilians, accountability for human rights abuses, and the humanitarian situation affecting millions of South Sudanese.
Makuei emphasized that while the government remains committed to improving the human rights situation, it expects international partners to engage constructively and fairly.
“Our government remains committed to peace, stability, and respect for human rights,” he said. “But reporting mechanisms must be balanced, objective, and reflective of realities on the ground.”
The exchange at the Human Rights Council highlights ongoing tensions between the government of South Sudan and international human rights bodies over how the country’s progress and challenges are assessed.
As South Sudan continues its transition toward peace and stability, debates over human rights violations, monitoring and international oversight are likely to remain central to discussions between Juba and allied global institutions.