UNITED NATIONS: United Nations officials warned the Security Council on Friday of escalating inter-communal violence and rampant human rights violations in South Sudan by all sides.

The officials condemned all attacks and provocations against civilians and the UN by armed groups and called for calm on all sides.

In a statement to the press, the council condemned “in the strongest terms” violence committed by elements of Shilluk and Dinka communities, which erupted in the protection of civilians site in Malakal managed by the UN Mission in South Sudan, on Feb 17, and which continued on Friday, resulting in more than 18 deaths and 50 injuries.

The members of the council said they were particularly alarmed by credible reports of armed men in Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) entering the UNMISS camp and firing on civilians, and the looting and burning of tents.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2016