They urged immediate action to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and allow internally displaced people to return safely and with dignity.
“South Sudan is at a critical juncture,” the think tank said. “All parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of the conflict and protect civilians.”
Jonglei State at the epicenter
More than 267,000 people have reportedly been displaced in Jonglei State alone in 2026.
Women represent the majority of displaced people, while children under 18 years of age make up a significant proportion.
Displaced populations face severe food insecurity, homelessness, and limited access to essential services. Conflict and climate crises have also disrupted education, affecting more than 300 schools and around 300,000 students.
“The destruction of water sources, as well as the looting and burning of homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship, are especially alarming. If verified, they would constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and could constitute war crimes,” the experts stated.
Independent human rights experts are not paid for their work and are not employees of the UN.
New opioid treatment and support guidelines
The World Health Organization, WHO, announced updated guidelines for the treatment of opioid dependence and community management of opioid overdoses.
Opioids continue to account for the majority of fatal drug-related overdoses. With approximately 600,000 deaths attributed to drug use worldwide
According to the World Health Organization, around 450,000 are due to opioid use.
Affordable, ethical, high-quality, evidence-based support and care are essential for people with opioid dependence or at risk of opioid overdose, the WHO said, as less than 10 percent of the 64 million people worldwide with drug use disorders currently receive treatment.
Continued use of methadone is recommended.
The WHO issued updated recommendations on the treatment of opioid dependence, reaffirming that trained health professionals should continue to offer medications such as methadone and oral buprenorphine as part of appropriate medical care.
It also now includes a new option: long-acting injectable buprenorphine, which it recommends with some caution while more evidence is gathered.
The full guideline document, with evidence, reasoning, practical advice and research gaps, is being finalized and is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to deteriorate
Humanitarian conditions in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu continue to deteriorate due to violence, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said on Thursday.
In Ituri province alone, UN humanitarian agencies reported that at least 30 people were killed on Wednesday in armed attacks in Bafwakoa, in Mambasa territory, raising the number of civilians killed there to more than 100 since March 11 and the number of people kidnapped in the same period to 390.
The violence has triggered new waves of displacement, adding to the more than 50,000 people already displaced in the territory, and has led nine health centers in Mambasa territory to suspend operations since March 11.
New waves of displacement
In South Kivu province, UN agencies report that at least 20 civilians have been killed and a dozen more wounded in clashes since March 23 in the territories of Uvira, Kalehe and Mwenga.
In neighboring North Kivu, fighting in Masisi territory displaced some 6,000 people between March 28 and 29, adding to the more than 180,000 people already displaced there.
Despite the insecurity, UN partners continue to provide assistance. However, the humanitarian response plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains underfunded. The $1.4 billion humanitarian appeal is only 30% funded, with just over $421 million received so far.
