WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement regarding attacks on civilians within the UN Protection of Civilians camp in Malakal, South Sudan:

“This week’s attack on the POC camp in Malakal is an egregious human rights violation. Reports that elements of the SPLA may have taken part in these attacks are deeply troubling and undermine the work the international community has put into a negotiated settlement of the conflict in South Sudan.

“I remain concerned about the safety of vulnerable populations in South Sudan, many of whom have been forced to seek refuge in camps like this one across the country for over two years. If civilians cannot even feel safe within these sanctuaries, what hope do they have to return to their communities with the trust that the peace agreement signed in August will be implemented?”

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