Distinguished speakers, panelists and guests,

I would like to thank Dr. Kanem for the invitation to this event and to commend this initiative of UNFPA in bringing the spotlight on the rights, safety and dignity of women in South Sudan.

As a painful backdrop to this event, last week’s incident in Bentiu is a stark reminder of how, despite recent re-commitments by South Sudan’s leaders to a cessation of hostilities and a revitalized peace agreement, the security situation for women and girls remains dire. Rape and other forms of sexual violence, committed with impunity by all parties, remain a consistent feature of the conflict and continue to be used as a tactic of war and driver of forced displacement.

The harrowing reports of the brutal rape of more than 150 women and girls while on their way to a food distribution site in Bentiu sent shock waves around the world.

We will recall the military offensive of April and May in Southern Unity, during which 120 women and girls were raped and gang-raped by one or multiple armed elements and 132 women and girls were abducted for purposes of sexual slavery.

More recently in October, in Western Equatoria region 43 cases of rape/gang rape and the abduction of 505 women and 63 girls for the purpose of sexual slavery were documented. Survivors were reportedly tied to trees and gang raped until they passed out. In SPLA-IO (pro-Machar) transit points or bases, women and girls as young as 12 were lined up for the commanders to choose as “wives”. Those who were not chosen were left for other fighters and subjected to repeated rapes. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

In July 2018, together with Dr. Kanem, I visited South Sudan as part of the UN-AU Solidarity Mission led by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed. I met and spoke with many women and girls survivors of conflict-related sexual violence living in situations of acute vulnerability.

I visited Protection of Civilians sites in Malakal and Juba. In Juba, I met with deeply traumatized and displaced women and men who described the brutality and ruthlessness of the attacks in Southern Unity. One witness recounted the rape of a six-year-old girl by eight soldiers, who continued to rape her even after she became unconscious.

Sexual violence leaves very deep physical, psychological, and social scars. All the survivors I met desperately asked for greater support to restore their physical and psychological well-being. They face enormous challenges to receiving appropriate medical treatment. The humanitarian facilities that provide treatment are often inaccessible. Those living in rural areas often have nowhere to go, given the collapse of the healthcare systems because of the conflict. The total breakdown of State public and service provision infrastructure, means that women and girls are at a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy, severe sexual and reproductive injuries and prone to contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS.

In addition to the physical effects, feelings of shame, stigma, and rejection by spouses and family members add to their distress. I met several women with their babies born of rape and saw firsthand how they are set on a trajectory of poverty, discrimination and violence.

Survivors also demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice and punished. They all felt that this was the only way to break the cycle of violence and secure a peaceful future for South Sudan.

 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 During my mission in South Sudan, I was encouraged by the Government’s acknowledgement of the high prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence. However, this sense of outrage must be translated into concrete action. A policy of “Zero-Tolerance” cannot be underpinned by the reality of “Zero-Consequence”.

It is absolutely critical that the Government sends a clear and resounding signal that all crimes of sexual violence will be rigorously and consistently investigated and prosecuted. Accountability is central to deterrence and ultimately prevention.

My Office stands ready to provide full support to the Government of South Sudan to investigate and prosecute sexual violence, including the most recent cases in Bentiu, Southern Unity and Western Equatoria. This is in line with the Joint Communiqué signed by President Salva Kiir with my Office in October 2014.

In conclusion, I would like to stress the following points :

  • The failure to punish the perpetrators of serious crimes in South Sudan has led many to believe that they can commit these crimes with total impunity. I urge the Government to fast-track the establishment of a special court and to prosecute all those responsible.
  • The Government must urgently address the shame and stigma associated with rape, including through public awareness campaigns and official condemnationof all forms of sexual violence.
  • Acts of sexual violence have terrorized the population and created fractures within and between communities. The government must address and heal these social fractures. Fulfilling victims’ rights to justice and reparationsare practical steps that can contribute to stemming the cycle of revenge and counter-revenge.
  • Last but not least, the scale of the crisis has overwhelmed the humanitarian community. While I was on the ground, I heard concerns regarding decreased funding. I take this opportunity to call on Member States to maintain resources and ensure that survivors continue to have access to lifesaving services and treatment.

Our shared commitment to finding a durable resolution for women and girls in South Sudan is long standing and one that we cannot fail to deliver.