Statement attributable to the Principal Public Information Officer, UNMISS

“UNMISS wishes to clarify recent media reports claiming that UNMISS blocked access to civilians attempting to enter UN House during the events of July 2016.

During the fighting in July, the Mission allowed several thousand civilians to shelter in the accommodation/office areas of UN House and over the days following, until the situation abated to allow them to relocate to the POC site. These civilians in need of protection were given what aid was available, including medical assistance by UNMISS military and civilian personnel.

UNMISS also opened its gates at Tomping to receive some 4,000 civilians in distress, and sheltered them for over two months in temporary accommodations. The Mission and humanitarian partners ensured that they received all necessary humanitarian assistance and the Mission’s protection, until they could be relocated to the POC site adjacent to UN House, where they could better receive humanitarian assistance.

The CIVIC report on the violence in Juba in July 2016 raises a number of important issues related to the South Sudan peace process, the behaviour of national security sources and their attacks against South Sudanese and international civilians, and the Mission's response to the crisis. UNMISS and UNHQ have engaged with CIVIC on this report, including providing comprehensive responses to their questions.

The Mission takes its duty to protect civilians in imminent danger very seriously, and we welcome any fair minded assessment of the conduct of the Mission, as it assists us in addressing many of the challenges we face. “

Thank you

Issued by the Communications and Public Information Section of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan