The Delegation of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan and diplomats of nine European countries plus Canada have pointed a finger at the National Security Service for violating media freedoms and arbitrarily arresting people.

South Sudan's National Security Service is a security branch reporting directly to the presidency.

“The Heads of Mission are gravely concerned by the shrinking space in South Sudan for freedom of expression, the rule of law and democratic practice reflected by the many cases of arbitrary detention, especially on the part of the National Security Service (NSS),” said the diplomats in a statement today.

The statement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day expressed solidarity with members of South Sudanese society, including members of the media and civil society organisations.

Also the European diplomats said, “very serious violations and abuses of human rights and International Humanitarian Law are continuing to occur, especially but not exclusively in Unity State.”

“A distressing number of the victims of these crimes are women and children. These crimes must be brought to an end and the perpetrators held to account.” The diplomats said that the Hybrid Court for South Sudan after it is established will investigate and prosecute individuals bearing responsibility for abuses.

Related:

European Union says President Kiir's latest decree violates media freedoms (6 Oct. 2015)

Rights groups slam ‘abuses’ against media by South Sudan's National Security Service (1 Aug. 2014)