(VOVworld)-  With senior United Nations officials warning of escalating inter-communal violence and rampant human rights violations in South Sudan, the Security Council on Saturday strongly condemned all attacks and provocations against civilians and the UN by armed actors, and called for calm on all sides.

UN Police conducts search operation in Juba Protection of Civilians site, South Sudan. Photo: UNMISS

In a statement to the press, the Council condemned “in the strongest terms” violence committed by elements of the Shilluk and Dinka communities, which erupted in the protection of civilians site in Malakal managed by the UN Mission in South Sudan  (UNMISS) on February 17 and which continued into Friday, resulting in more than 18 deaths and 50 injuries. Strongly condemning “all attacks and provocations against civilians and the United Nations by armed actors, including SPLA soldiers,” the Council reminded all parties, including Government security forces, of the civilian character of the protection of civilian sites in South Sudan. In its statement, the Council went to call for calm by all sides and to refrain from additional fighting, acts of violence, and further provocations.