The United Nations has accused South Sudan’s army and its allied militias of killing over two hundred civilians, committing rape and burning villages in a series of attacks carried out in the Southern Unity region from April 16 to May 24 May.

Following an investigation carried out by the UN Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) Human Rights Division’s, (HRD), the peacekeeping mission and the UN human rights body OHCHR released a joint report documenting grave human rights violations

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), loyal to President Salva Kiir, and allied forces are accused of attacking at least 40 villages and settlements during which 120 girls and women were raped or gang raped.

"HRD also documented the killing of 232 civilians including 35 children, 50 women – including 25 who were killed by hanging, and 63 individuals comprising of children, elderly and persons with disabilities who were burned alive across these locations," said the report.

The attacks took place after the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement in December 2017 and the reason, according to the report, was to increase territories under government control by displacing civilians in addition to fighting members of the SPLA-In Opposition.

UNMISS asserts – supported by aid groups - that 1,995 people including 1,350 children, were forcibly displaced to the UN protection site in Leer, while 3,415 individuals arrived at the Bentiu Protection of Civilian site.

Around 8,000 displaced civilians are sheltering in the bush and swamps south-east of Leer, in addition to some 18,000 displaced in Mayendit town.