EU condemns parties in South Sudan for human rights abuses

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is criticizing "all parties" in South Sudan for human rights abuses and killings of civilians says they "must cease immediately."

The 28 EU foreign ministers said in a statement Monday that "killings of civilians, rape and other sexual violence, and recruitment of child soldiers, have been perpetrated in South Sudan by all parties in total impunity."

Beyond working with other international institutions like the United Nations, the EU has also slapped an arms embargo on the nation and has visa bans against a number of South Sudanese officials.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, left, speaks with Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, center, and Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders during a round table meeting of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, May 23, 2016. Libya has given the European Union a green light to begin training its coast guard, as increasing numbers of migrants leave the country bound for Italy. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)