South Sudan: Tribute to the life and legacy of Nicholas “Fink” Haysom

JUBA/GENEVA – The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Mr. Haysom’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and constitutionalism. From his contributions to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to his steadfast support for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, he helped shape the foundations upon which South Sudan’s search for lasting peace continues to rest. He brought intellectual clarity, political acuity, and principled leadership to some of the most complex peace processes of our time and placed that expertise in the service of South Sudan.

He was a deeply valued and indispensable partner to the Commission, offering steadfast support to its mandate and consistently affirming the centrality of human rights, accountability, and the voices of victims in South Sudan’s transition. His incisive political analysis, strategic acumen, and openness to engagement informed constructive exchanges that deepened the Commission’s appreciation of conflict dynamics. In addition to intellectual rigour, he embodied great humility, generosity, and humanity.

A distinguished son of South Africa, his legacy was forged in a lifelong struggle against injustice and a belief in the power of law and dialogue to deliver inclusive and transformative political settlements. His tenure at the helm of UNMISS was devoted to pursuing these goals for South Sudan. A true servant, his leadership inspired not only those within the United Nations system but also all who seek a just and peaceful future for South Sudan.

The Commission extends its deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues at UNMISS. His legacy will endure and strengthen our resolve to continue the pursuit of peace, justice, dignity, accountability, and a sustainable future for South Sudan – the country he loved.

May he now find rest and peace after a life of extraordinary service. His contributions will continue to resonate in the institutions he strengthened, the ideas he nurtured and shaped, and the many lives he inspired to advance justice and peace.

ENDS

Background: The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council. First established in March 2016, it has been renewed annually since. The commissioners were appointed by the President of the UN Human Rights Council; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work as Commissioners. They are supported by a Secretariat based in Juba, South Sudan.

More information about the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan can be found here. Follow the Commission on X (formerly Twitter) here, on Facebook here, and on YouTube here.

For media queries, please contact: In Juba: Rajeev PS, Public Information Officer/Media Adviser, rajeev.puthenpurackalsunilkumar@un.org / +211912174078; in Geneva: Todd Pitman, Media Adviser, todd.pitman@un.org / +41766911761.

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