South Sudan prepares climate change legal submission to African court

The South Sudan Bar Association says stakeholders have agreed on key legal arguments to be included in the country’s submission to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on climate change and human rights in Arusha, Tanzania.

The agreement was reached during a two-day stakeholder roundtable held at Imperial Plaza Hotel in Juba from November 5 to 6, 2026.

The meeting brought together representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations and legal experts to discuss the African Court’s request for observations on its Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and Human Rights.

In a statement after the meeting, Bar Association Chairperson Arop Malueth said participants discussed the request, its implications for South Sudan and the effects of climate change on human rights.

Malueth said the discussions also helped strengthen cooperation among government institutions, the legal profession and civil society in preparing the country’s submission.

He noted that although Africa contributes less than five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent faces the effects of climate change, including extreme heat, drought, food insecurity and displacement.

Malueth said South Sudan should ensure that the country’s circumstances, the experiences of its people and its legal position are reflected in the African Court’s advisory opinion.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Ministries of Environment and Forestry; Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management; Agriculture and Food Security; and Energy and Dams.

He also commended the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for its support and the Pan-African Lawyers’ Union for providing technical assistance.

Malueth said the next step is to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that South Sudan submits its observations to the court on time.

The advisory opinion is expected to provide legal guidance on the obligations of African states regarding climate change and the protection of human rights.