The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) strongly condemns the attack on the residents of Duk Padiet village in Jonglei State that took place on the morning of Sunday, September 20. This latest loss of life comes on the heels of a similar attack on residents of the village of Wernyol in August that also claimed the lives of dozens of civilians, and it appears to fit into a pattern of escalating violence in various parts of southern Sudan since the year began.

Some of the more recent attacks have deliberately targeted women and children and have had little or nothing to do with cattle rustling, a traditional cause of violence between neighboring tribes and ethnic groups in the region. This will become a source of mounting concern as the country heads towards the April 2010 national election and the referenda in southern Sudan and the Abyei region scheduled for 2011.

UNMIS remains concerned that there may be elements that are directing attacks against institutions of the state. UNMIS urges the Government of Southern Sudan and other duly constituted authorities to further strengthen their efforts to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of these crimes.

UNMIS is encouraged by the increased efforts of the government of Jonglei State to restore order and deter retaliatory attacks in the aftermath of the latest violence and to pursue dialogue and reconciliation among all concerned parties.

UNMIS flew the Jonglei state governor and the Government of Southern Sudan's minister of internal affairs to the stricken area on Monday, September 21 and will support, within its capabilities, all efforts to contain violence, promote reconciliation and address the humanitarian needs of the affected population in the coming days.

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