27 November 2013 - Holding up a torch to signify the end of a dark era, South Sudanese government representatives, community leaders and development partners launched a nationwide campaign in Juba today to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

“These rays shall not go out until we eliminate SEA,” said Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, who represented Vice-President James Wani Iga as Chief Guest. “SEA is despicable, immoral and inhumane. As a government, we declare zero-tolerance. We shall do this through campaigns, but also with punishment (for those found guilty).”

Dr. Lomuro said South Sudanese people had suffered from various types of abuses during decades of war and silence about widespread SEA was one of the consequences.

“We need to change mindsets,” he said. “As a young government, we have enormous challenges. As we fight for peace through reconciliation, seek economic stability and manage disasters, we must also ensure that prevention of SEA is ingrained in the nation.”

Holding hands with representatives of the United Nations, diplomatic missions, religious leaders, women, children and organized forces, the Minister of Gender, Child, Social Welfare, Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Awut Deng Acuil said addressing SEA effectively would require collective effort, with particular emphasis on prevention and accountability.

Illustrating the government’s commitment, Ms. Acuil said she was appealing against a sentence given to perpetrators who had raped a nine-year-old girl because the sentence was unequal to the crime.

She emphasized that SEA had serious physical, social and psychological effects.

“As we strive to rebuild our livelihoods and re-assert our respect and dignity… let us end the culture of silence and impunity,” Ms. Acuil said. “If you see it, know about it or suspect it, report it. Every one of us can make a difference in our communities by speaking up.”

Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hilde F. Johnson emphasized that the UN had high standards of responsibility and that all allegations were taken seriously and investigated.

“We can’t deal with these issues if you don’t report them,” she said. “As the head of the UN family, I will make sure this does not happen on my watch… I hope it doesn’t happen, but if it does, report it.”

In a panel discussion after the launch, the UNMISS chief said the UN would continue to assist in building capacity of institutions like police and the judiciary to ensure protection of victims and accountability of offenders, but the local community also needed to fight traditions which made reporting violations taboo.

“HIV/AIDS was once a taboo subject and is still probably a shameful thing in South Sudan,” she said. “It was through speaking out that great strides were made to deal with it. If we speak out, it is possible to win many battles, including the one against SEA.”

The campaign will be launched in all 10 states of South Sudan in the period up to 9 December, with outreach activities including rallies, radio shows and distributing of posters and reporting cards. Public awareness activities will continue after the launch.