The United Nations on Thursday accused both government and rebel forces in South Sudan of committing crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and other sexual violence, during almost five months of fighting that has left thousands of people dead.

"The consequences for the civilian population have been devastating. There have been attacks on hospitals, churches, mosques and United Nations bases," the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said in a report.

The 62-page report called for further investigations after finding reasonable grounds to believe both parties in the conflict had violated international human rights and humanitarian law.