REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN REVITALIZED TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT (GENDER & YOUTH CLUSTER)
VISIT TO THE GBV AND JUVENILE COURT IN JUBA
Right Hon. Speaker of the TNLA, Jemma Nunu Nkumba
Chief Justice, Lordship Chan Reech Madut
Hon. Ministers in attendance
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General
Distinguished guests
Members of the press
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good Afternoon
It is an honor for me to be here with you as we continue to
reaffirm our commitment to address the critical concern of
Gender and sexual-based violence in this country. This is an
issue at the core of our peace, stability, and development as a
nation.
We live in a country that emerged from the struggle. The
burning desire for the right to self-determination, dignity,
equality, and justice was the light that guided us towards our
liberation and, eventually, our independence.
Because of this history, that has been stained by inequality
and injustice, we must continue to protect the rights that so
many have paid the ultimate price to achieve.
The extent to which we as a society tolerate gender
inequality, will ultimately reflect upon the health and
wellbeing of our nation as a whole.
Although it may be a complex, subject to approach,
particularly here in South Sudan, as the chairperson of the
Gender and Youth Cluster, I pledge to work hard to see to it
that those who harm and abuse others are brought to justice.
The inauguration of this gender-based violence and juvenile
court in December 2020 was a significant milestone in
achieving this.
This court not only facilitates access to justice for survivors, it
also safeguards individual liberty, privacy, security, and
human dignity.
I hope that by visiting this court today, we can highlight the
strength of this institution and elevate public confidence in
our judicial process, especially among women and girls.
However, Gender-based violence is not only a legal matter, it
is also sociopolitical in nature and requires the attention of
healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, community
leaders, and elders, working in close collaboration with the
justice system.
In order for survivors to feel safe reporting their cases, it is
important that we create a conducive environment in which
they come forward. I hope that all agencies and practitioners
that deal with this issue are able to have a desk or
department, that is trained and dedicated to handling
sensitive GBV cases. This means having more, well-trained
female first responders to GBV cases, especially in law
enforcement.
Although I spoke with the IGP about having a GBV desk
operated by female officers, we must continue in this spirit in
all relevant agencies.
I have noted that this court takes a survivor-centered
approach that provides services tailored to the immediate
and specific needs of the victims.
I firmly believe that one of the most critical services that can
be provided to both survivors and perpetrators is psychosocial support. Counseling and healing are important tools for
creating a safe environment and helping to challenge the
norms around Gender-based violence.
I often say, in this country, we are ALL traumatized. We suffer
from unhealed generations of trauma brought about by
conflict and the deep sorrow of loss. As a result, we are at
each other throats because we have not been able to face
each other with truth and forgiveness. Trauma is like a
wound that will only intensify in both pain and consequence if
left untreated.
Since I came to the office as your Vice President, my staff and
I have regularly been taken through stress management and
coping presentations. We learnt about the definitions, the
causes and the different types of stress from a counsellor
(who is here with us today).
These presentations have helped my staff, and even myself,
to feel more relaxed, confident and able to respond
effectively to issues in the work environment.
Integrating these types of mental health and psycho-social
support in GBV prevention and response is key.
Finally, it is the courage and strength of the survivors that
drives this court forward. We must, therefore, continue to
make it a priority to create safe spaces for women, girls and
all survivors to come forward and report their cases.
Together with our partners, we have made advances in
ensuring that access to justice is a reality for the vulnerable in
our society. But there is still more that must be done.
I continue to dream about a society free from Sexual and
Gender Based violence, where women and girls can live free
from discrimination and inequality. However, in order for this
dream to come true, we must all continue to reaffirm our
commitment to this issue.
I am inspired by the work of my colleagues in government,
our partners and all those who are working institutionally and
personally to stand against Gender-Based violence. May we
all remain strong and united in the face of this social menace.
Thank you all for your attendance and attention.
Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior