The Council adopted a series of conclusions on the situation in South Sudan.

Peace Agreement: the signature of the South Sudan peace agreement marks an important step forward as it offers a unique opportunity for this war-torn country to move towards a future of stability and of responsible government in the interests of its citizens. In this regard, the Council called for the rapid implementation in a full, effective and inclusive way, involving all segments of society, including women as important agents of change.

The EU urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and refrain from all actions which contradict the letter and spirit of the agreement. The EU saluted the efforts of international and regional actors, in particular the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), which were key to reaching this deal. The EU also welcomed the AU’s decision to publish the Commission of Inquiry reports and to take the necessary steps to establish the Hybrid Court of South Sudan as well as the AU Peace and Security Council’s 26 September 2015 call for the implementation of the agreement.

Humanitarian situation: the humanitarian situation in the country remains disastrous. The Council recalled that:

• 2.2 million people have been displaced both inside and outside the country;
• over four and a half million people have faced severe food insecurity in the past four months;
• the renewed fighting, if prolonged, would increase the likelihood of famine in the most affected areas.

Against this background, delays in the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance cannot be tolerated. The EU urged all parties to ensure immediate, full and unconditional humanitarian access.

Human rights: the Council also highlighted the horrific violations and abuses of human rights (especially against women and children). It called on the authorities to fulfil the obligations under international law.

Cotonou Agreement: the Council stressed that the EU is ready to step up its engagement, in close coordination with the international community, to support the implementation of the agreement and called on South Sudan to ratify the Cotonou Partnership agreement. Lastly, it stated that it is ready to work with the Transitional Government of National Unity to establish the transitional institutions and to develop sound policies essential for the rebuilding of the country, in particular to ensure the responsible, transparent and equitable management of South Sudan's vast resources.