Dionyz Hochel, Acting Head of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan.

The European Delegation to South Sudan on Thursday commemorated the International Human Rights Day in a glamourous event at the European Compound with a renewed commitment to support the promotion of rule of law and observance of Human Rights regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

“The European Union is committed to supporting democracy and human rights in its external relations, in accordance with its founding principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,” Dionyz Hochel, Acting Head of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan said. “It is worth noting that in South Sudan we have already ongoing support for civil society and Human rights defenders, reconciliation activities in communities via the Council of Churches and women empowerment projects at the economic and legal levels.”

Chargé of the French Embassy in Juba, Xavier Verjus Renard.

European diplomats; Jelte van Wieren, ambassador of the Netherlands, Joachim Waern, Head of the Office of the Swedish embassy and Xavier Verjus Renard, the  Chargé of the French embassy all reiterated the need for respect of human rights, especially the rule of law, freedom of association, expression and press for democracy to thrive in the new nation.

Head of the Office of the Swedish Embassy in Juba, Joachim Waern.

“The core function of government is to protect the human rights of its people. This is enshrined in the first article of the Dutch constitution and the basis of our interactions abroad including here in South Sudan. Today, we celebrate Human Rights Day with European Union, applauding all South Sudanese Human right activists for their great work,” said Dutch ambassador Wieren.

Dutch Ambassador Jelte van Wieren making remarks during the Human Rights day event.

South Sudanese human rights and civil society activists Dr. James Okuk, who was recently appointed as an ambassador, James Bidal, head of the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network Secretariat, Ter Manyang, the Director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, Juba University’s Dr. Siham Osman, John Long of AnaTaban and Yoal Gatkuoth of the Pan African Peacemakers Alliance among others also attended the event.

European Diplomats interacting with some members of the South Sudanese Civil Society during the Human Rights Day event.

The European diplomats and Humans Rights activists both reiterated the need to work together in promoting the observance of Human Rights despite the numerous changes facing them.

Guests were entertained by General Paulino’s Traditional Dance Group and were also presented recorded messages on Human Rights by Salih Mahmoud Osman and the European Union Ambassador to South Sudan Christian Bader, who paid special tributes to African Sakharov laureates Nelson Mandela, Dr. Denis Mukwege from Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan’s Salih Mahmoud Osman.

Guests watching recorded messages on Human Rights by Sudanese Sakharov Peace laureate Salih Mahmoud Osman and the EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Christian Bader in the Conference Hall.

General Paulino entertaining guests during the Human Rights Day event on Thursday.