Sexual exploitation and abuse campaign launched in Yambio

27 Oct 2014

Sexual exploitation and abuse campaign launched in Yambio

23 October 2014 - Chiefs in Western Equatoria would take serious measures against anyone abusing the rights of women and girls, a state official said in the capital Yambio today.

Chief’s representative Simon Mombasa was speaking at the launch of the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) campaign in the state at Yambio Cultural Centre.

The campaign was launched by UNMISS in collaboration with the Western Equatoria government.

“We are ready to protect our girls and women here in the state from anyone who abuses their rights,” said Mr. Mombasa. “And sentence them to 14 years imprisonment if they continue abusing them.”

UNMISS Human Rights Officer Piler Costa said that she was pleased to hear that people of Western Equatoria were keen to work with UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations to combat SEA.

“We are glad to work with you, the Western Equatoria State government … to fight this issue from the grass roots and … stop this practice in our societies.”

Acting Governor Sapana Abui said SEA was a crime against women, girls and boys as well. He added that perpetrators were those with power and resources they used to exploit the poor.

“We know that SEA is a crime,” Mr. Abui said. “Those who are practicing it … we will always say no to them. Because our government does not encourage these acts.”