UN condemns ambush that killed five humanitarian workers; UNMISS reports sharp rise in civilian deaths

The United Nations strongly condemned an ambush on a humanitarian convoy in Duk County, Jonglei State, South Sudan, that killed five humanitarian workers and injured four others, the spokesperson said.

The briefing said the convoy was clearly marked as humanitarian and operated by a local partner; other civilians were reportedly killed or injured in the attack. The UN called for a prompt investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Separately, the UN peacekeeping mission UNMISS released a report documenting a sharp rise in civilian deaths in South Sudan: more than 760 civilians were killed between January and March, an 89% increase compared with the previous quarter. The mission also recorded a significant increase in conflict-related sexual violence. The special representative called for all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law.

UN agencies and partners expressed condolences and reiterated the need for protection of humanitarian actors and safe passage for relief operations. The briefing did not announce new security arrangements or changes to missions in response; investigations and follow-up were called for.