10 October 2014 - Women in the protection area at UNMISS Bentiu were living under unbelievably challenging conditions, a top UN official said today during a visit to the Unity State capital.

“It is painful … to see the conditions under these women live … the harassment and the sexual violence that takes place at the check points and when the women go out to get firewood,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Exploitation in Conflict Zainab Bangura.

Speaking to journalists at Bentiu Airport, she called on warring parties in South Sudan to stop all forms of violence.

Nyakuoth Deng Chuol, a woman living at the protection site, called on the international community to end all forms of violence against women in South Sudan during the crisis.

“Women are facing a lot of challenges during this conflict in South Sudan, including rape, abduction and killing,” Ms. Chuol said. “We are calling on the international community to hold those who have committed these crimes responsible for their actions.”

She said no one was speaking up about Unity State women being raped daily, criticizing the international community for remaining quiet about the matter.