EU Ambassador to South Sudan Pelle Enarsson voiced support for a campaign to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence at an advocacy event in Juba on 19 June 2026, organized by the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice in collaboration with the Dr Denis Mukwege Foundation, Legal Action Worldwide, and the Survivors Network in South Sudan. The event marked the international day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflict.
In his statement, Enarsson stressed that conflict-related sexual violence is never inevitable, never acceptable, and never beyond accountability, and may amount to a war crime or crime against humanity. He noted that in South Sudan, decades of conflict and limited data make it difficult to grasp the full number of survivors, many of whom still struggle to access basic services and support. Survivors must not carry the burden of stigma, he said, adding that the burden belongs to perpetrators.
Enarsson called for a survivor-centred response, including access to protection, health care, psychosocial support, and justice services. He emphasized the need to listen to survivors, support women’s organisations and survivor-led networks, and ensure that women and girls — including mothers and children born of war — are not left behind. "There can be no sustainable peace without justice, and no justice if survivors are silenced," he said.
The EU’s approach in South Sudan is guided by dignity, survivor-centred action, women’s participation, and accountability. Enarsson highlighted the EU’s in-country project "Prevention of Sexualised and Gender-Based Violence in South Sudan (ResPEct)", worth €8 million, co-financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ. The project supports state and non-state actors in preventing sexual and gender-based violence, expands access to counselling services, promotes gender equality and peaceful conflict resolution within families, and strengthens women’s groups.
Globally, the EU advances its commitment through the EU Gender Action Plan III and the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. Enarsson also shared a personal reflection on meeting Dr Denis Mukwege in Stockholm when he received the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his drive and commitment to ending sexual violence in conflict.
The event brought together survivor leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives to renew commitments to accountability and support for survivors in South Sudan.