When South Sudan declared independence in July 2011, it joined the ranks of the world’s least developed nations. Inter-communal fighting has killed hundreds in 2012. Across the country, security forces fail to prevent violence, and have themselves been responsible for unlawful killings, torture, and looting of civilian property. South Sudan's prison population contains many who are arbitrarily detained without lawful basis and the lack of capacity and insufficient training among police, prosecutors, and court officials results in human rights violations in other areas of the administration of justice. Women and girls are subjected to forced or early marriage and domestic violence, and such abuses often occur with impunity. South Sudan’s leaders have stated their commitment to ratify major human rights treaties, but have yet to do so.