By Scopas Bethuel
The Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan, Lothar Jaschke, has reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to gender equality and peacebuilding in South Sudan, urging for immediate action on women’s rights and a halt to the ongoing violence across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the Annual Gender Equality Forum in Juba, Jaschke highlighted the importance of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda as a central pillar of sustainable peace in South Sudan. The forum, held from 17 to 19 June, brings together government officials, lawmakers, civil society leaders, and international partners to evaluate progress on gender equality and push for stronger implementation of existing commitments.
“Women, Peace and Security is a subject close to our heart,” said Jaschke. “We advocate for the full implementation of the WPS agenda, especially as South Sudan navigates its extended transition. There can be no peace without the meaningful participation of women.”
Jaschke emphasized the need to domesticate key international treaties like the Maputo Protocol and CEDAW and called for the urgent enactment of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill by South Sudan’s parliament.
He also expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, condemning the renewed fighting and military offensives, including aerial bombardments and attacks on health facilities. “We cannot pretend these are ordinary times. We strongly condemn the violence and join IGAD and the African Union in calling for a ceasefire and a return to political dialogue.”
The EU has invested significantly in promoting gender equality in South Sudan, supporting seven grassroots empowerment projects worth €7 million. Jaschke announced that successor programs are now underway, focusing on combating gender-based violence at local levels, in cooperation with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
“All EU projects include a strong gender lens, with a goal that 85% of our global interventions contribute to gender equality by 2025,” he added, citing the EU’s Gender Action Plan III.
As South Sudan approaches its first democratic elections, Jaschke stressed that peace and stability depend on trust, cooperation, and inclusive governance. “The country needs agriculture and investment, not weapons. And it needs more women in politics and in the security forces not just here, but around the world.”
The forum is expected to conclude with renewed commitments toward strengthening the WPS agenda and advancing the rights and protection of women and girls throughout South Sudan.