Serious crimes committed on South Sudan

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GENEVA, Switzerland, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- An independent investigation is needed into Thursday's bombing of a refugee camp near the northern border of South Sudan, the United Nations said.

Authorities in South Sudan blamed Sudan for the bombardment of a refugee camp in the oil-rich border state of Unity. The BBC, on Thursday, reported that bombing started in mid-afternoon just after a U.N. helicopter arrived to deliver food assistance to the area.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said the information she's seen suggests the bombing may be categorized as an international crime. She said there were reports of at least five bombs dropped on the area, including one that fell close to a school.

"There needs to be an independent, thorough and credible investigation to establish the precise circumstances of this aerial bombing," she said. "If indeed, it is established that an international crime or serious human rights violation has been committed, then those responsible should be brought to justice."

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is accused by the International Criminal Court of war crimes already. Khartoum isn't party to the Rome Statute that created the international court, however.

The White House, in a statement, described the bombing as abhorrent, suggesting it increased the potential for renewed conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

"The United States demands the government of Sudan halt aerial bombardments immediately," the statement read.