The government of South Sudan has signed a Joint Communique with the United Nations that outlines steps it will take to tackle the issue of sexual violence in conflict.
The agreement comes as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, visited the region.
During her visit Bangura met with South Sudan's President Salva Kir, ministers and members of the army, as well as civil society actors including women's groups and journalists.
Referring to the impact of sexual violence on the region, Bangura said, “what I witnessed in Bentiu is the worst I have seen in my almost 30 years in dealing with this issue.”
The Special Representative went on to say, “the international community cannot leave survivors to fend for themselves. Now is the time to step up and help South Sudan put an end to these atrocities.”
“Sexual violence is a war crime and crime against humanity so we should be able to make sure that action is taken against,” concluded Bangura.
The agreement comes as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, visited the region.
During her visit Bangura met with South Sudan's President Salva Kir, ministers and members of the army, as well as civil society actors including women's groups and journalists.
Referring to the impact of sexual violence on the region, Bangura said, “what I witnessed in Bentiu is the worst I have seen in my almost 30 years in dealing with this issue.”
The Special Representative went on to say, “the international community cannot leave survivors to fend for themselves. Now is the time to step up and help South Sudan put an end to these atrocities.”
“Sexual violence is a war crime and crime against humanity so we should be able to make sure that action is taken against,” concluded Bangura.