Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, the new nation of South Sudan has experienced civil war and mass atrocities against civilians, including widespread sexual violence, murder, and forced displacement. Between 2013–2018 over 400,000 people were killed as a result of the war. In March 2017, the United Nations Human Rights Commission determined that ethnic cleansing was being committed. In 2018, a Peace Agreement—known officially as the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan—was signed by the warring parties, committing a period of political transition followed by elections. However, South Sudan remains at risk of mass atrocities due to delays in the full implementation of the terms of the Peace Agreement, climate change impacts, humanitarian crises, corruption, impunity, shrinking civic space, and persistent intercommunal conflict. Learn more about these challenges, and the efforts undertaken by the South Sudanese people to secure lasting peace and justice.
This November 2024 brief outlines risks for new mass atrocities in South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict with identity-based targeting, a history of mass atrocities, and impunity for these crimes. Spillover effects of the war in neighboring Sudan and the human cost of severe weather events are exacerbating instability.
PDF DownloadWe traveled to South Sudan to speak with experts who relayed to us their fears that the country would slip back into full scale war. Our January 2023 report details specific areas of concern, scenarios in which mass atrocities may worsen, and proposed actions to limit and recognize the harm against civilians.
PDF DownloadOur quantitative assessment, from the Early Warning Project, estimates the risk of a new mass killing in Sudan.
Discover how a political crisis sparked a large-scale conflict in which civilians were targeted because of their ethnic identity.
This downloadable flyer provides background information on the crimes against humanity being committed against civilians in South Sudan and what you can to do help.
PDF DownloadIn this May 2022 article for African Law Matters, we discuss the ongoing risk of mass atrocities South Sudanese civilians face, and the justice for past mass atrocities that is sorely needed.
External LinkOur February 2022 report looks at the risk factors that could lead to increased political instability in South Sudan, and the potential for mass atrocities against civilians from government forces, armed militia, and opposition groups. It also provides recommendations for preventing these atrocity crimes.
PDF DownloadOur 2018 report examines whether atrocities could have been prevented in the years immediately following independence.
PDF DownloadView photos and read a firsthand report by photojournalist Pete Muller on his 2012 visit to the border areas between Sudan and South Sudan.
The Museum led a bearing witness trip to Southern Sudan in 2010 as it prepared for the referendum on South Sudanese independence.
This Section
Find information on historical cases of genocide and other atrocities.