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, as well as its broader backing for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and global efforts against impunity.
Jaschke recalled the EU's support for the reform of South Sudan's judiciary based on recommendations from the Judicial Review Committee. He emphasized that a fair and transparent legal system is a cornerstone of democratic society and that the rule of law is part of the EU's DNA. The EU, he said, is resolved to defend the integrity of the Rome Statute and the universality and independence of the ICC, and calls on all states to cooperate with the Court.
On transitional justice in South Sudan, Jaschke noted that the EU supports the process through a three-year regional programme of 5 million euros 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 its roadmap, including support for victim support groups and youth engagement through digital storytelling.
At the global level, Jaschke mentioned a 21 million euro project launched by the EU in 2024 to fight impunity for international crimes and promote the primacy of international law. The project also seeks to raise awareness and build support for the ICC and its mandate. The EU will continue to support civil society, lawyers, and human rights defenders working in international criminal justice.
The speech, delivered at an event marking the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998, underscores the EU's ongoing engagement in South Sudan and its broader commitment to international justice. No prior coverage of this specific event exists in the available records.