On 17 July 2026, Lothar Jaschke, Charge d'Affaires of the European Union to South Sudan, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to international criminal justice and South Sudan's transitional justice process during a speech at the commemoration of the International Day of International Criminal Justice. Jaschke highlighted the EU's support for an accessible, independent, impartial and effective justice system in South Sudan, based on recommendations from the Judicial Review Committee, which the EU previously supported. He emphasized that justice is the basis of peace and the rule of law, describing it as the EU's DNA.
Jaschke noted that the International Criminal Court (ICC), whose statute was adopted on 17 July, is the cornerstone of international justice. The EU is resolved to defend the integrity of the Rome Statute and the universality and independence of the Court, calling on all states to cooperate with the ICC and supporting reform processes to improve its effectiveness.
Regarding South Sudan, the EU supports the transitional justice process through a three-year regional programme of €5 million managed by the EU Delegation to the African Union. The programme aims to facilitate the domestication of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy and implementation of the related roadmap, including support for victim support groups and youth engagement in transitional justice using digital storytelling.
At the global level, the EU launched a €21 million project in 2024 to fight impunity for international crimes and contribute to the primacy of international law. The project also raises awareness of and builds support for the ICC and its mandate. Jaschke concluded by stating that the EU will continue to support civil society, lawyers, and all individuals working in the field of international criminal justice.