HRC62 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR report on technical assistance in South Sudan
United Nations Human Rights Council
62nd Session
Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR report on technical assistance in South Sudan
3 July 2026
EU Statement
Mr Vice/President, Mr High Commissioner,
We thank you for your update on the human rights situation in South Sudan.
The EU remains deeply concerned by the human rights situation in the country and the persistent failure to implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The country continues to grapple with violence, displacement, and systemic violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including persistent impunity, institutional fragility and the rampant use of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). These crimes must be met with accountability.
We urge all parties to return to the path of dialogue and re-commit to the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), including the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
Only through sustained political will, regional cooperation, transitional justice and inclusive governance can South Sudan achieve lasting peace. We call on the transitional government, armed factions, and all stakeholders to protect civilians, uphold human rights, and restore stability. Especially with an election date now having been announced, we are deeply concerned by the persistent and systematic exclusion of key political stakeholders and continued deviations from and unilateral modifications of the Peace Agreement, which remains the paramount instrument for the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.
The European Union will continue to support the development of the country, in particular education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and governance sectors (300 MEUR, 2021-2027), and providing humanitarian assistance, including livelihoods, for which alone we gave 106 MEUR in 2025.
Mr High Commissioner,
What steps can your Office and the international community take to support South Sudan in moving forward in the peace process, including real dialogue between partners to the peace agreement and on preparation for credible and peaceful elections?
Thank you.