UN calls for an end to sexual violence

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in the Conflict has urged the warring parties in South Sudan to end rape and violence.

Zainab Hawa Bangura is in the country to discuss with authorities measures that can be taken to prevent and respond to widespread violations.

She says the ceasefire agreement, which was signed between the government and the SPLM-SPLA in Opposition has not stopped sexual violence in South Sudan.

“During the latest outbreak of the conflict in South Sudan, many innocent women, men, girls and boys were subjected to horrible attacks,” said Ms Hawa.

These included – she said – rapes, gang rapes, rapes with guns and bullets and sexual slavery.

“After being raped, some victims were mutilated and disgraced and some were killed or died of the injuries they sustained,” she added

M Hawa affirmed the U-N’s commitment to working with the Government of South Sudan to end sexual violence.

Currently, the government, UN and other development partners are working towards curbing sexual violence and abuse.

Thursday 9 October marks the official opening of this year’s national campaign on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the Republic of South Sudan.

The campaign is expected to develop a series of awareness-raising activities in each state across the country running from 09 October through 25 November, 2014.