U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, released the following statement on the Administration’s decision to impose sanctions on South Sudan:

         “Today’s announcement by the Trump Administration to impose sanctions on South Sudan is a critical and welcome step,” said Congressman Smith , a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "I have visited South Sudan–most recently in 2017—and have seen first-hand the horrible conditions of the country as a result of ongoing war. I have met with President Salva Kiir and called upon him to implement a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for rape and sexual assault among his soldiers. To date, no policy has been enacted. Last year, I sent a letter with like-minded colleagues to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin urging him to target the financial interests of specific high-ranking members of the government. President Kiir’s persistent refusal to abide by international human rights standards and laws is disturbing and must cease immediately or he should face consequences.

        “Now that the United States has enacted this much-needed arms embargo, it is time for the international community to act. The United Nations Security Council’s continued inaction on this issue has only emboldened both the government and the rebels to escalate their atrocities. Now is the time for the U.N. to do its part and impose an international arms embargo.”

 
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