11/12/2025
This week, Geneva Call hosted a three-day Civil Society Organisations Training on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Juba, bringing together representatives from national civil society organisations across South Sudan.
We were honoured to welcome H.E. Mr. Gregory Bledjian, German Ambassador to South Sudan, whose presence underscored not only the importance of this initiative but also the strong and ongoing partnership between Germany and Geneva Call since 2020. His participation highlighted our shared commitment to strengthening the protection of civilians in South Sudan.
Throughout the training, participants engaged deeply with the core principles of IHL - because even in war, there are rules. We examined the importance of protecting civilians and civilian objects from direct or indiscriminate attacks, recognising how essential these protections are in a context where communities often remain on the front lines of violence. We also discussed the special protections afforded to vulnerable groups, including children at risk of recruitment, maiming, and abduction, and women and girls who continue to face widespread gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence. Another key focus area was the humane treatment of all persons deprived of their liberty, including detainees and prisoners, emphasising the need to prevent arbitrary detention, torture, and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. In addition, we addressed the imperative of ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access to enable life-saving aid to reach people in urgent need across the country.
These discussions reflected real, life-saving challenges faced every day in South Sudan. National civil society organisations play a critical role in advocating for these principles and ensuring they are upheld on the ground. By the end of the training, participants expressed a strengthened commitment to actively advocating for the protection of civilians in their daily work. They also reaffirmed their dedication to holding all parties accountable to IHL standards and to improving the effectiveness of humanitarian responses to alleviate suffering and protect lives.
This training is part of a broader strategic programme funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), covering Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. This programme goes far beyond capacity-building alone. It includes direct engagement with armed groups and self-defence groups, dialogue with government officials as well as community and religious leaders, and efforts to empower local communities to foster a stronger culture of protection across the country.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for their dedication throughout these three days. Together, we take a step toward a South Sudan where civilian lives are safeguarded and humanitarian principles are upheld.
