The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has issued a stark warning about the deepening crisis in South Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to restore peace, ensure accountability, and facilitate a credible political transition. Despite nearly a decade of regional efforts, the country remains mired in a worsening political and humanitarian crisis, with the breakdown of dialogue and escalating instability reigniting armed conflict on a scale not seen since the 2017 cessation of hostilities agreement. Civilians continue to suffer the most, enduring widespread human rights violations, mass displacements, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. The commission has cautioned that without immediate intervention, the situation could further destabilize the wider region. Commissioner Barney Afako highlighted the failure of leadership and consensus in implementing the peace agreement and political transition, citing ongoing political crises, increasing fighting, and systemic corruption as key issues. He stressed the need for immediate, sustained, and coordinated political engagement by the region to prevent South Sudan from sliding back into full-scale conflict, which would have devastating human rights consequences for its people and the broader region. Over a decade since the conflict began in December 2013, victims still await justice and reparations, with no tangible progress made on establishing a Hybrid court despite repeated calls from the AU Peace and Security Council. In 2025 alone, an estimated 300,000 South Sudanese fled the country due to rising conflict, with significant numbers seeking refuge in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The country also hosts 2 million internally displaced people and shelters 560,000 refugees fleeing the war in Sudan. UN Commissioner for Human Rights in South Sudan, Carlos Castresana Fernández, emphasized that stability and justice are essential for the country’s rebuilding process. He called for credible and independent mechanisms for justice and accountability to deter repeated cycles of atrocities, break cycles of impunity, and heal the wounds of war. He urged the AU and regional partners to act now to prevent another war and build the foundations of a just peace based on the rule of law.