6 May 2014 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Juba today for a one-day visit to South Sudan.

The top UN official was met at Juba International Airport by his Special Representative to the country, Hilde F. Johnson and South Sudanese Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro. Also present were UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous, as well as other key government and UN officials.

“These are times when people of the status and caliber of Ban Ki-moon to see for himself what is actually going on and to hear directly from the leadership of the country,” Mr. Lomoru told Radio Miraya.

He noted that the key concerns remained the same: Returning peace to the country, investigations into those who have committed crimes and humanitarian access.

“Our position is very clear. We want to bring peace,” he said. “We have shown the willingness of the government and the programmes of the government to bring peace. We have been allowing access to humanitarian assistance.”

Mr. Lomuro added that while there may have been some areas where some government forces officers or staff may have done this, “it’s not government policy to obstruct assistance being taken to anyone in the country”.

He also said teams and special courts had been set up follow up and investigate killings during the conflict and reiterated the government’s commitment to respect for human rights.

Asked about tensions between the UN and the South Sudanese government, Mr. Lomuro said this should never have arisen because both organizations act in the best interests of the people of South Sudan. He noted however that such tension had been dealt with and there was more understanding and cooperation.

The Secretary-General is expected to meet with President Salva Kiir Mayardit, as well as civil society leaders, especially from women's and religious groups.

He will also visit the protection site at the UNMISS base in Tomping, Juba, where he is expected to meet with community leaders representing the thousands of civilians seeking shelter there.

Since the beginning of the current crisis, the Secretary-General has repeatedly called on the leaders to find a political solution and to put an immediate end to the violence which has led to the suffering of so many innocent civilians.

The Secretary-General is also expected to meet with UN staff and peacekeepers. He will thank them for their dedication and service as they continue to help protect thousands of South Sudanese civilians who are at risk during the on-going crisis.