HRC 62 – Oral statement on the situation in South Sudan

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 62nd Session 

Statement by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for South Sudan  

3 July 2026 

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President, 

In March this year, in a landmark decision, The Department of Public Prosecutions of South Sudan accepted the first ever war crimes case for horrific sexual violence.  

The complaint was filed in Juba, two years ago, by Legal Action Worldwide, and on behalf of three courageous women.  

In 2017, at the hands of soldiers form the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the complainants were raped, gang raped and beaten.  

Two were children aged just 14. 

The decision of south Sudanese authorities to investigate and prosecute these crimes paves the way toward justice and accountability. A lot needs to be done. It is estimated that 70% of women and girls are subjected to sexual and gender-based violence across the country. 

For nearly ten years, the three women we represent have been bearing the trauma of the crimes they suffered, facing lasting stigma within their communities. They are tired. They need justice.  

Mr. Vice-President 

How can the Council support South Sudan authorities to move forward with this historic decision to investigate and prosecute these crimes? Thank you.