They urged immediate measures to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and allow displaced people to return home in safety and dignity.
“South Sudan is at a critical juncture,” the panel said. “All parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in constructive dialogue to prevent a further escalation of the conflict and protect civilians. »
Jonglei State at the epicenter
More than 267,000 people are estimated to have been displaced in Jonglei State alone in 2026.
Women make up the majority of displaced people, while children under 18 make up a significant portion.
Displaced populations face acute food insecurity, lack of shelter and limited access to essential services. Conflict and climate shocks have also disrupted education, affecting more than 300 schools and around 300,000 learners.
“The reported destruction of water sources, as well as the looting and burning of homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship, are particularly alarming. If verified, they would constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and could constitute war crimes,” the experts said.
Independent rights experts receive no salary for their work and are not employed by the UN.
New Guidelines for Opioid Treatment and Support
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced updated guidelines for the treatment of opioid dependence and community-based management of opioid overdoses.
Opioids continue to account for the largest share of fatal drug overdoses. With approximately 600,000 deaths attributed to drug use worldwide
about 450,000 people are affected by opioid use, according to the World Health Organization.
Affordable, ethical, high-quality, evidence-based support and care are essential for people dependent on opioids or at risk of opioid overdose, WHO said, as fewer than 10 percent of the 64 million people worldwide with drug use disorders currently receive treatment.
Continued use of methadone recommended
WHO has issued updated advice on the treatment of opioid dependence, reaffirming that medicines such as methadone and oral buprenorphine should continue to be offered by qualified healthcare professionals as part of appropriate medical care.
It also now includes a new option: long-acting injectable buprenorphine, which it recommends with some caution until more evidence is compiled.
The full guidance document, containing the evidence, reasoning, practical advice and research gaps, is being finalized and is expected later in 2026 or early 2027.
The humanitarian situation in DR Congo continues to deteriorate
Humanitarian conditions in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu continue to deteriorate due to continued violence, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Thursday.
In Ituri province alone, UN humanitarians reported that at least 30 people were killed Wednesday in armed attacks in Bafwakoa, in Mambasa territory, bringing to more than 100 the number of civilians killed since March 11 and to 390 the number of people kidnapped during the same period.
The violence has triggered new waves of displacement, adding to the more than 50,000 people already displaced in the territory, and led nine health establishments in Mambasa territory to suspend their operations since March 11.
New waves of travel
In the province of South Kivu, UN agencies report that at least 20 civilians have been killed and around ten others injured during clashes since March 23 in the territories of Uvira, Kalehe and Mwenga.
In neighboring North Kivu, fighting in Masisi territory displaced around 6,000 people between March 28 and 29, adding to the more than 180,000 people already displaced.
Despite the insecurity, UN partners continue to provide assistance. However, the humanitarian response plan for the DRC remains seriously underfunded. The $1.4 billion humanitarian appeal is only 30 percent funded, with just over $421 million received so far.
