UN envoy urges S. Sudan to tackle sexual violence crimes
May 11, 2016 (JUBA) – The United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura has urged authorities of South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) to implement commitments made to address sexual violence crimes.
The commitments, she said, are contained in a Joint Communiqué signed with President Salva Kiir signed in October 2014, and a Unilateral Communiqué issued on 18 December 2014 by current first vice-president, Riek Machar.
According to Bangura, in their respective communiqués, the signatories had committed to immediately cease and prevent the commission of sexual violence crimes, hold perpetrators accountable, improve services to survivors, and ensure that sexual violence considerations are included in the ongoing processes of security sector reform, as well as disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration.
She, however, said sexual violence crimes continues in South Sudan in spite of the commitments by it leaders to implement whatever was agreed on with the world body.
“Now, more than ever before, it is imperative for the authorities of the Transitional Government of National Unity to ensure accountability for these crimes,” said Bangura.
While in South Sudan, the senior UN official engaged with the leadership of the South Sudan army (SPLA) and the South Sudanese National Police Service (SSNPS) who, she said, have committed to taking concrete and time-bound actions to address sexual violence in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1960 (2010) and 2106 (2013).
“My office will pursue its support to the SPLA and SSNPS in developing Action Plans, which will provide a structured and comprehensive framework through which to address sexual violence crimes,” further stressed Bangura.
She also met women’s groups providing services to survivors, the humanitarian community, and the diplomatic corps during a visit extended by South Sudanese authorities.
(ST)