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On the recent International Day for the Elimination of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), local authorities in Jonglei State and civil society representatives came together to express their shared commitment to hold perpetrators of these crimes accountable.
The event, organized by the peacekeeping mission, highlighted the importance of keeping community members, especially women and children, safe. Participants also paid tribute to survivors of sexual violence and those who, whether successfully or not, try to prevent such crimes.
“We will further strengthen the judicial system, increase accountability and encourage people to report such incidents when they occur,” said Atong Kuol, Acting Governor of Jonglei State. He called on citizens to stop stigmatizing survivors of sexual violence, as this harmful cultural practice is a strong disincentive for people to bring these crimes to the attention of the police and other relevant authorities.
While lauding the efforts of security forces to protect civilians, the head of UNMISS’s office in Bor, Geetha Pious, noted that crimes, whether involving sexual assault or not, showed no signs of abating.
“The increasing and widespread violence of kidnapping as a weapon of war is a major concern in our region. The proliferation of weapons has destroyed the social and economic fabric of some communities, while also eroding the values of compassion, humanity and kindness,” she said.
The taboo surrounding rape and other forms of sexual violence means that information about such traumatic events must remain strictly confidential to protect the survivors’ dignity and status in their communities.
Health care workers are among the very few people who need to know what happened to their patients. Unfortunately, the details sometimes leak out, with devastating effects on already terrified girls and women, who are often the victims of sexual violence.
This was highlighted by Jonglei State Health Minister Luar Moniluak Dawu, who issued a stern warning to doctors and nurses.
“Those who violate confidentiality will face legal consequences,” the minister said.
Activist Elizabeth Ayen presents a cruel irony that illustrates the devastating impact of gaps in the justice system, particularly between traditional mechanisms and formal courts.
Rape can lead to inter-community conflict and loss of life.
“When traditional justice mechanisms are used, rapists are often ‘rewarded’ by marrying their victims. This sends the wrong and dangerous signal,” she stressed.
Stakeholders agreed that sexual violence not only causes unimaginable personal trauma to survivors, but can also be a direct cause of inter-community violence, putting countless lives at risk.
Image credit: UNMISS
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