21 August 2014 - Recent rape cases that resulted in the deaths of a pregnant woman and an 11-year old girl highlight the need to step up the fight against gender-based violence, participants at a forum in the Warrap State capital Kuajok said today.

Representatives from the police, prison services, civil society organizations and traditional courts attended the 21st Rule of Law Forum in the state, organized by UNMISS in collaboration with the state’s High Court and Legal Administration.

Making an unanimous call to clamp down on gender-based violence, participants said it is vital to conduct more public awareness and sensitization campaigns.

They also noted that rape cases have increased because many people in the community lack knowledge about the dangers and impact on victims and also because it is difficult to identify responsible parties to handle such cases.

“We didn’t know that it is an offence according to the laws of this country,” said Ater Mayar Ayok, Chairperson of the Traditional Authority Bench Court, adding that after the forum, he would start to send all rape cases to the legal court.

“With today’s education and knowing the effects of rape, I shall no longer judge these cases,” he said.

Mr. Ayok appealed to the state authority and UNMISS Justice Advisory Section (JAS) to conduct sensitization campaigns across the state to educate the citizens.

“The first step in preventing rape and gender based violence is to provide information to the people in general”, said Majok Akot, another participant. “Don’t target only chiefs and members of the traditional courts, target all villagers because they are the main victims.”

Warrap State High Court President Abraham Majur Lat appealed to citizens to be law-abiding, noting that the Penal Code Act of 2008 clearly states that rape is an offence, punishable by imprisonment.

“We don’t make laws, our work is to implement laws,” he said. “We will not hesitate to implement the laws in this state.”

UNMISS JAS Officer Magnus Andersen stressed that compromising on rape cases as well as adjudicating in bench courts is unhealthy and risks the lives of victims.

“This practice devalues women… (and) must stop,” said Magnus Andersen, adding that in addition to physical effects, rape is also an affront to women’s respect, dignity and self-esteem.