World News in Brief: South Sudan rights, opioid guidelines update, DR Congo crisis continues

This article is published in association with United Nations.

South Sudan is evolving into a catastrophic human rights and humanitarian crisis, UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent experts warned on Thursday.

They urged immediate steps to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access, and enable internally displaced persons to return safely and with dignity.

“South Sudan stands at a critical juncture,” the group of experts said. “All parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of conflict and protect civilians.”

Jonglei State at the epicentre 

Over 267,000 people have reportedly been displaced in Jonglei state alone in 2026. 

Women represent the majority of those displaced, while children under the age of 18 make up a significant share. 

Displaced populations are facing acute food insecurity, a lack of shelter, and limited access to essential services. Conflict and climate shocks have also disrupted education, affecting over 300 schools and around 300,000 learners.

“The reported destruction of water sources, as well as the looting and burning of homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship, are particularly alarming. If verified, they would constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes,” the experts said.

Independent rights experts receive no salary for their work and are not employed by the UN.

New opioid treatment and support guidelines

The World Health Organization, WHO, announced the update to guidelines for the treatment of opioid dependency and the community management of opioid overdose.

Opioids continue to account for the largest share of the drug-related fatal overdoses. With approximately 600 000 deaths attributed to drug use globally

about 450 000 are due to opioid use, according to the World Health Organization.

Affordable, ethical, high-quality and evidence-based support and care is essential for people with opioid dependence or at risk of opioid overdose, the WHO said as fewer than 10 per cent of the 64 million people worldwide with drug use disorders currently receive treatment.

Continued use of methadone recommended

The WHO issued updated advice on treatment for opioid dependence, reaffirming that medicines such as methadone and oral buprenorphine should continue to be offered by trained health professionals as part of proper medical care.

It also now includes a new option: long-acting injectable buprenorphine, which it recommends with some caution while more evidence is compiled.

The full guideline document, with the evidence, reasoning, practical advice, and research gaps, is being finalized and is expected later in 2026 or early 2027.

Humanitarian situation in the DR Congo continues to deteriorate

Humanitarian conditions in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu continue to deteriorate due to ongoing violence, the UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Thursday.

In Ituri province alone UN humanitarians reported at least 30 people were killed on Wednesday in armed attacks in Bafwakoa, in the Mambasa Territory, bringing the number of civilians killed there to more than 100 since 11 March and the number of people abducted 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 led nine health facilities in the Mambasa Territory to suspend operations since 11 March.

New waves of displacement 

In South Kivu province, UN agencies report that at least 20 civilians have been killed and around ten others injured in clashes since 23 March in the territories of Uvira, Kalehe and Mwenga. 

In neighbouring North Kivu, fighting in Masisi territory displaced about 6,000 people between 28 and 29 March, 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 DRC remains critically underfunded. The $1.4 billion Humanitarian appeal is only 30 per cent funded, with just over $421 million received so far.