UN Official Describes 'Horrifying Human Rights Disaster' in South Sudan

Child soldiers and mass atrocities

The United Nations has evidence of the use of child soldiers and mass atrocities committed by both sides warring in South Sudan, a "horrifying human rights disaster" that has killed thousands, the U.N.'s top humanitarian official said Friday.

Mass killings, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions and sexual violence are some of the other violations seen in the country, said U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovic.

"Quite a number of child soldiers have been recruited in the so-called White Army," he said, referring to the Nuer tribe's militia fighting in Jonglei state. "We are thoroughly investigating these allegations."