The UN Mission in South Sudan has presented an interim report to the UN Security Council, which states that civilians bore the brunt of much of the fighting and that gross violations of human rights were committed.

More than 500 interviews were carried out with victims, witnesses and other sources and focuses on human rights violations and atrocities committed between 15 December 2013 and the end of January 2014

The report notes that large numbers of civilians were deliberately targeted and killed along ethnic lines and many more were displaced for similar reasons.

It states that holding perpetrators to accountable is crucial not only for ensuring respect for human rights, but also as a means to address the underlying causes of South Sudan’s current crisis.

The interim report focused on alleged human rights abuses that occurred in the four states of South Sudan that have seen the heaviest fighting to date.

The states are Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile.

UNMISS Special Representative of the Secretary General Hilde F. Johnson, SRSG of UNMISS said, “Accountability is crucial for a national reconciliation process to take root and succeed. Without bringing to justice the perpetrators of these horrendous crimes, revenge and impunity is likely to lead to a perpetual cycle of violence.”