20 January 2014 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was alarmed by attempts of senior South Sudanese government officials to force entry into the protective site for civilians at the UNMISS compound in the Jonglei State capital Bor, UNMISS Spokesperson Ariane Quentier said in Juba today.

Ms. Quentier’s remarks followed comments from government officials about UNMISS’ refusal to allow armed soldiers into the mission’s base. According to the comments, the incident raised concerns about the UNs position during conflict in the country over the last five weeks.

“The Secretary-General is also very disturbed that there were threats against staff members from UNMISS when they denied access to military personnel from the South Sudan army into the compound,” she said. “The Secretary-General calls on all the parties to respect the sanctity of UNMISS protection sites and UNMISS installations.”

There are currently an estimated 10,000 civilians taking shelter in the protection site at UNMISS premises in Bor.

“The Secretary-General condemns the threats made against UN personnel and demands that all parties to the conflict respect the sanctity of UNMISS protection sites,” a statement issued by his spokesperson said yesterday.

“This incident is just one of a growing number of violations of the Status of Forces Agreement, making it increasingly difficult for UNMISS to implement its mandate and dangerous for UN staff working in South Sudan,” it added.

Mr. Ban noted in the statement that thousands of civilians had been killed, brutally abused and left homeless in just over a month of conflict in South Sudan.

He called on parties and their leaders to do far more to ensure fighters under their command protected civilians and respected international humanitarian law. They should also immediately cease hostilities, which have had such a devastating impact on their young country.