Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

A year ago, we met here in New York to address the conflict in South Sudan, which had already been in a stalemate for months on end. Since then, matters have only gotten worse; at independence, South Sudan had the world at its feet. Today, South Sudan is on the brink of failure and disorder. Fortunately, since last month, we have a peace accord – an appeal for the launching of a viable political and peace process. Nothing less would have been sufficient to resolve this senseless, ultimately preventable conflict – a conflict involving ugly ethnic divisions; mass displacement; and widespread disregard – across the board – for international humanitarian and human rights law. Allow me to raise three brief points, or three requirements, in this respect.

I. Peace requires leadership

Against this unsettling backdrop, today’s meeting is a welcome opportunity to finally embrace a peaceful, political solution to this crisis. The peace accord is ambitious and there will be bumps along the road. It is easy to become discouraged or to use the lack of support as a pretext to abandon the process. However, any newfound optimism must be balanced against the reality on the ground. In some if not most conflict-affected areas, the situation has worsened in recent months, which, compounded by rapidly deteriorating food security, has led to greater humanitarian needs. Going forward, this peace agreement will be judged by the ability of its adherents to improve the situation on the ground, and reverse the detrimental, long-term effects of this man-made crisis. If the parties to this conflict are to earn back the trust of their people, the parties to the conflict will have to:  end the violence immediately; (b) permit freedom of movement; restore free access to services;  and (d) enable the people to pursue livelihoods.

II. People require protection

Tragically, it is the civilian population that has borne the brunt of this senseless conflict. Therefore, protection of civilians must remain our top priority until a sustainable peace has been achieved. Establishing secure conditions outside of formal displacement sites especially in rural areas is an essential prerequisite for the effective delivery of lifesaving assistance, especially for the tens of thousands currently cut off from humanitarians. Aid workers themselves must also be protected.

III. Returns require management

We have always maintained that there is no humanitarian solution to the crisis in South Sudan. Therefore, the peace agreement is a most welcome step towards a real, political solution. However, it is only the first step in rebuilding communities, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Let us be clear – this peace agreement alone should not trigger the return of millions who have been displaced by the conflict across the country. Discussions about returns must incorporate the stabilization and security of the proposed areas of return, and must stress the safe and voluntary nature of any such returns. In returns and all other areas, IOM stands ready to support the peace process with all our UN, NGO, and other partners, especially UNMISS.

Conclusion

IOM remains a dedicated partner in the international community’s efforts to support South Sudan during this delicate stage. I will close by reiterating what I said here one year ago – we must all persist in our efforts to deliver urgent life-saving assistance to the people of South Sudan; ensure the protection of all civilians while this political process unfolds; and continue to support the nascent peace process in an optimistic but responsible and engaged manner, until a lasting solution has been achieved for South Sudan.