The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the efforts of the international community in the area of development and of ‘state building’ in South Sudan.

Parliament recalled that the South Sudan is also one of the poorest countries in the world, with 50 % of the population living below the poverty line. It also recalled that this newly created country, having emerged from a war, is in danger of failing if the international community and local actors fail to cooperate in developing a joint strategy to turn it into a democratic and inclusive state.

Welcoming the most recent signs of eased tensions between the governments of South Sudan and the Republic of the Sudan, Parliament called on the governments of both countries and the international community to continue and intensify efforts to resolve the outstanding issues left unresolved following the expiration of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and South Sudan’s independence in July 2011. It proposed that the governments of Sudan and South Sudan consider, as a last resort, referring the outstanding problems with regard to the border to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) so that they may be resolved legally and peacefully. The two countries were also urged to respect fully the Addis Ababa Agreements of September 2012.

Parliament regretted that the recommendation made by the African Union to the governments in Khartoum and Juba that a referendum on the disputed region of Abyei be held in October 2013 had not been followed up by any effective action. It called on the South Sudanese authorities to ensure that Misseriya nomads are able to participate in the referendum, as Khartoum was otherwise opposed to this.

A strategy for the whole region : Parliament reiterated their support for the European Union’s regional engagement under the EU Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa, as well as under the comprehensive approach to Sudan and South Sudan. It called, however, for further coordination of the strategy across the wider region and a full dialogue with regional partners for the purpose of improving cooperation and development;

It urged the authorities of Sudan and South Sudan to implement fully the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which calls on the two states to tackle issues concerning power sharing, citizenship, oil revenues and debt sharing. Members noted the positive signs of cooperation between the two governments, such as the initiative to allow cross-border movements as a preparatory step to establishing trade agreements and they called on Sudan and South Sudan to resume negotiations on the supply of oil to the North . They expressed concern over the unilateral announcement by the Sudanese Government with regard to the shutting down of oil exports from South Sudan and the freezing of all sectoral agreements.

In general terms, Parliament called on all groups and parties within South Sudan to develop a joint vision for their country and its peaceful, prosperous and equitable development . It proposed that the Government of South Sudan consider launching an inclusive national debate with a view to ending interethnic conflict and envisaging peaceful relations.

Human rights : Parliament stressed the importance of demonstrating to the people of South Sudan the value and effectiveness of their new democratic state, including the establishment of a stable government which does not operate by arbitrary presidential decrees. It called for anti-corruption measures and the ratification of international conventions on human rights. It called on key international partners, especially EU Members States, the Commission and the EEAS, to maintain their commitment to development and state-building and to human security for all South-Sudanese people. It supported the engagement of the EU as a key partner in the context of the New Deal through a State-Building Compact, as well as the European Union’s contribution (USD 4.9 million) to the International Organisation for Migration , which will facilitate dialogue and communication among the different tribes and clans on how to share scarce resources (water, pastureland). Parliament recalled incidentally that all forms of budgetary support to developing countries require proper risk management tools.

The EU’s Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa and European aid: Members called for the regular review of the EU’s Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa and its comprehensive approach to Sudan and South Sudan. They welcomed the fact that the EU has committed EUR 285 million in development aid to South Sudan since 2011, when South Sudan gained independence (excluding Member State aid), in addition to humanitarian aid.

Parliament supported the focus of EU aid for South Sudan on:

· agriculture;

· democratic governance;

· the rule of law;

· education and health;

· capacity-building of the South Sudanese legal system;

· promoting access to education and sexual and reproductive rights and healthcare services for women.

Projects funded by the EU must be monitored and assessed regularly.

Sustainable development : Parliament stressed the need to make major sustainable investments in infrastructure, in the provision of basic services and in agricultural development in South Sudan. It called on the EU to support efforts of land governance and the strengthening of tenure security in the country , while at the same time taking into account local informal arrangements of dispute resolution and recognition of customary tenure.

Parliament encouraged the Government of South Sudan to:

· foster economic diversification

· reduce hydrocarbon dependence;

· take measures to promote the involvement of women in the rural economy;

· ensure access to drinking water;

It stressed at the same time that the need to ensure human security for all South-Sudanese people requires a renewed effort by the Government of South Sudan and its international partners to follow through with the disarmament , demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of armed groups and to undertake broader security sector reform (SSR).

Fight against all forms of violence : Parliament was deeply concerned that women and children of the armed conflicts in South Sudan and called on all warring parties to end the impunity of the perpetrators. They urged the South Sudanese Government to ensure gender equality and called on the South Sudanese authorities to introduce a family law setting out a minimum marriageable age and conditions for the custody of children.

Parliament urged the promotion of access to education and sexual and reproductive rights and healthcare services for girls and women, including access to contraception and HIV/AIDS testing and treatment.

Electoral process: Parliament was surprised that the United Nations, in view of the contributions made by the EU to its budget, does not grant the Union special status during election missions, ensuring that its observers are protected and can do their job properly (i.e. affording them secure accommodation and access to health care). It called on the government of South Sudan to conduct a constitutional review process before the 2015 elections.

Parliament welcomed the goal of having a female representation of at least 25 % in the cabinet and also urged the South Sudanese Government to increase efforts to establish a roadmap, in order to sustain the process of transition until constitutional order and the rule of law have been fully re-established throughout the country, through the organisation of democratic, free, fair and transparent elections in 2015. The EU and its international partners were asked to increase their support for the upcoming electoral process.

Protecting human rights : Parliament urged the Government of South Sudan to enact any media laws to protect media freedom and to end the harassment of human rights activists and journalists . It also urged the authorities to carry out impartial investigations into all allegations of threats against human rights activists. The Human Rights Council was asked establish a meaningful follow-up mechanism on the situation of human rights in South Sudan, such as an independent expert .

Parliament strongly opposed the death penalty in all circumstances and called on South Sudan to take specific steps to move towards its abolition.

Women’s rights : lastly, Parliament stressed that women in South Sudan faced multiple forms of discrimination as well as violations of their fundamental rights, which must be eliminated. It reiterated the need to fight against illiteracy and improve access to education for women. It welcomed the creation of the first College of Nursing and Midwifery at the Juba teaching hospital, and called for more health centres based on this model throughout the whole country.