Pillay calls for investigation into South Sudan camp bombing

GENEVA  (11 November 2011) – The UN human rights chief on Friday called for an investigation into Thursday's aerial bombing of a refugee camp in Unity State in South Sudan, and said that the information available so far suggested that the bombing may amount to an international crime or serious human rights violation.

"The camp at Yida, which is close to the border with Sudan, is housing thousands of civilians, including women and children," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay. "While the number of casualties is not yet clear, I understand that five or six bombs were dropped on the camp, and that at least one fell close to a school."

"There needs to be an independent, thorough and credible investigation to establish the precise circumstances of this aerial bombing," she added, "and if indeed it is established that an international crime or serious human rights violation has been committed, then those responsible should be brought to justice."

Pillay expressed alarm about the fighting and indiscriminate attacks that are continuing to taking place just across the border in Sudan's Southern Kordofan State, and which have spilled over into neighbouring states. "This latest attack risks aggravating what is already an extremely tense and dangerous situation," she said.
The High Commissioner urged the parties involved in the fighting to immediately cease all attacks on civilians.

ENDS

For more information or interviews, please contact In Geneva: UN Human Rights spokesperson Rupert Colville (+ 41 22 917 9767 or rcolville@ohchr.org) or press officers: Ravina Shamdasani (+ 41 22 917 9310 or rshamdasani@ohchr.org)

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