The United Nations is calling on South Sudan to implement measures to prevent sexual violence during conflict.

The government had signed a communique with the UN over the issue last year.

The Advocacy and Women’s right officer at the UN Action against Sexual Violence in the conflict, Letitia Anderson said it is urgent that the government implements the provisions of the communique.

“This is not an order issued but this is a serious international crime. And we are very happy to be working with our partners in South Sudan and celebrating the signature of the communique in November last year between President Salva Kiir and the United Nations, which marks the milestone in the new commitment to prevent and address sexual violence,” she said.

“And we very much are looking forward to its implementation, and the way forward.”