As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict today, members of Civil Society have called on South Sudan government to end Gender-Based Violence.
In an interview with this outlet, Ter Manyang the Executive Director Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) called on the government to double efforts in ending all forms of gender base violence.
Each year on June 19, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict a day dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating impact of conflict-related sexual violence and to honoring survivors and those who continue to fight for justice and protection.
Ter expressed in Honor of the day, there is need for the government to double efforts in ending sexual violent.
He said that the country continues to grapple with high rates of GBV, particularly against women and girls, fueled by harmful cultural norms, entrenched gender inequality, and prolonged conflict.
“South Sudan remains one of the countries where gender-based violence is alarmingly widespread, Deep-rooted cultural perceptions contribute significantly to the normalization of violence, especially against women and girls. We must challenge and change these beliefs.” He appealed.
The activist called for inclusive approach in addressing gender base violent as well as sexual violent adding that boys and men can be victims of GBV.
Ter outlined key steps urged for government, civil society, traditional leaders, and the international community to work hard and end sexual violent in the country.
According to civil society activists calls for Strengthening oflegal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
Other shift measures including providing accessible and survivor-centered support services, including medical, psychosocial, and legal aid
Ter emphasized on the need to promote gender equality through education and community engagement, workcollectively to dismantle harmful norms that perpetuate violence.
“On this day of reflection and commitment, CPA stands in solidarity with all survivors of sexual violence and reaffirms its dedication to building a society free from gender-based violence” he said
On his part the Executive Director for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani called South Sudan government to double efforts in ending Sexual violent
He added that due ongoing conflict between South Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) there has been report of sexual.
Yakani has called on the parties in conflict as well as the public to cease all forms of violent including sexual violent.
“I would like call upon every commander of forces in the government and in the armed opposition to make sure your soldiers during confrontation should abstained from sexual violent or should not take advantage of the violent then want to commit sexual violent against civilian” he said
He appealed to government to ensure that those found guilty of committing sexual violent be held accountable.
“We are calling upon the leadership of South Sudan people defense forces (SSPDF) and particular Chief of Defense Forces to ensure that soldiers that commit sexual gender violent or any human right violation be held accountable” he said.
Yakani reaffirmed Civil society commitment in exposing cases of gender violent as well as sexual violent in the country.
Addressing sexual violence in South Sudan
Sexual violence is widespread and serious humanitarian concern in South Sudan. Over a decade of conflict and intercommunal violence has led to the normalization of sexual violence among the weapon bearers as well as civilians. It has also reinforced preexisting and harmful social norms that lead to victim blaming.
Stigma, including rejection by family, divorce and isolation from the community are key reasons most victims /survivors fear seeking help. That in turn causes delays in accessing necessary care and exacerbates many long-term consequences for vicitms/survivors and their families including children being born as a result of rape.
Lack of knowledge and very few safe and accessible services in conflict affected areas additionally complicate survivors access lifesaving care. The eruption of conflict in Sudan in 2023 which led to a high influx of refugees and returnees also saw an increased number of survivors struggling to access the already limited services