UN Secretary General is concerned about the continued fighting in South Sudan and called for an immediate end to the hostilities.

Welcoming the Government of South Sudan's acceptance of a regional protection force to help quell the ongoing violence in the country, Ban Ki-moon today called on all South Sudanese parties to uphold their responsibility to protect civilians and to demonstrate their commitment to a peace agreement, “the only viable path” out of the crisis.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General welcomed the communiqué of the Heads of State and Government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Plus countries, which proposed the deployment of the force, agreed at a regional meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Media reports suggest IGAD leaders' aim is for the force to help shore up South Sudan's year-old peace deal.

“He is outraged by the continued reports of serious human rights violations and abuses, including widespread sexual violence against women and young girls, committed by armed men in uniform,” said the statement, adding that Mr. Ban called on all parties to uphold their responsibility to protect civilians and demanded that they take immediate steps to hold accountable those responsible for these “despicable” crimes.