South Sudan prepares climate justice submissions to African Court

South Sudan is preparing submissions to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights as part of efforts to strengthen climate justice and seek accountability for the effects of climate change on vulnerable African communities.

The move follows a case filed before the African Court, which has invited governments across the continent to submit their observations on climate change and human rights.

Speaking during a climate justice roundtable in Juba on Thursday, human rights and international lawyer Dzimbabwe Chimbga said he is working with the government and the South Sudan Bar Association to prepare the country’s submissions.

“… we gather today to discuss environmental issues, climate issues that are affecting South Sudan, and we want to look at solutions that will benefit the people of South Sudan in the context of climate change,” he explained.

The roundtable brought together government officials, members of the South Sudan Bar Association and the Pan-African Lawyers Union to discuss environmental challenges and possible legal solutions to climate change.

Chimbga said seven countries have already submitted their observations, while another eight have expressed interest in taking part in the process.

He said a key concern among African countries is that the continent faces a disproportionate impact from climate change despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

South Sudan is among the countries facing serious climate-related challenges, including recurrent flooding and pollution linked to petroleum operations.

“Here in South Sudan, we’ve got all these problems around flooding. We’ve got all these problems of petroleum companies that come and pollute. And the problem is that whilst South Sudan did not do anything to contribute to the problem, it’s also affected. So, we as lawyers, we are saying to South Sudan, let’s work together so that we confront the historical emitters,” he said.

Chimbga also stressed the need for South Sudan to ensure that companies operating in the country comply with international law and that national laws adequately protect affected communities.

The African Court’s anticipated advisory opinion, expected in 2027, is expected to provide legal guidance to African governments on their responsibilities to address climate change and protect human rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

According to the roundtable organisers, the opinion could provide a common legal framework for countries across Africa, which have so far been addressing climate challenges without a shared continental benchmark.