Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society activist, called on South Sudan’s human rights defenders to uphold professionalism and reject ethnic divisions as he hands over the leadership role on Friday.
Speaking at the fourth Human Rights Defenders Award ceremony in Juba on Tuesday, Yakani warned that such honors should not fuel hate or personal gain. He said the event aimed to recognize collective dedication, not elevate individuals.
“Being a recipient of the award does not identify you as the excellent one,” said Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. “It’s just saying thank you for your dedication.”
He praised the European Union for its support via the EU Human Rights Facility, which he said was key to sustaining the local network.
Attendees included representatives of the EU, U.N. agencies and the South Sudan Human Rights Commission.
Yakani led a moment of silence for rights defenders killed or persecuted in conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere, stressing “we are one family across the globe.”
He cautioned that some past award recipients had later become aggressors against the principles they once defended, particularly after joining government institutions.
“Those of us who leave the space of human rights defenders and join state responsibility, we become the worst in shrinking the civic space,” he said.
Yakani warned awardees against ethnic bias, hate speech and misinformation, saying the network is “watching” those who misuse their position.
“If you use our awards to promote ethnicity, hate speech, misinformation or violence … we will recall our award from you,” he said.
He announced the handover of his leadership of the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network, citing increased commitments, including leading a 13-country regional forum. He handed over the position to his successor, identified only by her first name, Christine, and urged a peaceful transition.
“Don’t send her to the bush, don’t make us run,” he said.
In her new role, Christine is expected to preside over this year’s awards.
EU Ambassador-designate to South Sudan, Pelle Enarsson, reaffirmed the bloc’s “unwavering commitment” to universal human rights in his remarks. He said human rights remain essential to dignity, peace, democracy and sustainable development.
Ambassador Enarsson noted that global crises — from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to the conflict in neighboring Sudan — continue to undermine civilian rights, especially for women and children.
He said meaningful change requires continuous advocacy, collaboration and the empowerment of young people, praising South Sudanese human rights defenders for their role.
The envoy stressed that the EU would continue to support journalists, media workers, civil society, and all those calling for accountability, peace, and justice.
Meanwhile, South Sudan Human Rights Commission Deputy Chairperson Ezekia Gibson, who served on the awards judging panel, said selections were made “fairly and based on merit.” He acknowledged the commission faces institutional challenges but pledged to stand “side by side” with activists.
Gibson praised human rights defenders for their courage in a “hostile” environment marked by cases of gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and impunity, saying they remain the voice of the voiceless in South Sudan.