28 November 2013 - A top official in Upper Nile State urged people in the capital Malakal today to report any form of sexual harassment and related cases of abuse.

“I need you to assist me, especially watching over your neighbors, those who are violating the rights of children (and) those who are forcing (them) into early marriages,” state Acting Governor John Ivo Mounto said during the launch of “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence”.

Organized by the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare in collaboration with the United Nations and civil society, the event coincided with the beginning of the National Campaign against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

State Minister of Gender and Social Welfare Maria Konjwok called on communities to end practices related to sexual abuse.

“We have to stop this practice now,” she said. ‘This is the time for us to … (say) no to any form of abuse against children in South Sudan.”

UNMISS State Coordinator Deborah Schein highlighted the UN’s commitment to zero tolerance of sexual abuse.

“Sexual exploitation and abuse is unacceptable behavior that remains a challenge facing vulnerable groups,” she said. “This exploitation can be in the form of money, food and goods.”

The launch was also marked by awareness raising for secondary schools students and open discussions in Upper Nile University on issues related to sexual exploitation.