CENTRAL EQUATORIA – Civil society organizations and law enforcement agencies in South Sudan commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict through two separate events held in Terekeka and Juba.
Supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the first event, held in Terekeka on 18 June, brought together community-based organizations and residents who united to call for an end to violence against women.
Organized under the theme "Healing through Solidarity and Peace: Ending Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in South Sudan," the event highlighted the importance of collective action to support survivors, promote accountability, and strengthen prevention efforts.
"We ask the government to pass the Women's Empowerment Bill and the Gender Equality Bill. Once we have legislation that protects women and ensures accountability for perpetrators, we can begin to end violence in South Sudan," said Gima Robert James, Coordinator of the Joint Communications Forum, which organized the event in Terekeka.
Many speakers stressed that healing for survivors, their families, and affected communities cannot be achieved without peace. While access to services, justice, and protection remains essential, sustainable recovery requires a secure environment where violence has ceased and people can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
"Ending conflict-related sexual violence is not the responsibility of one institution alone. Government has a role, community leaders have a role, civil society has a role, and each one of us has a role in creating a safer society," said Beya Fatuma M'Bokoko, Women's Protection Advisor at UNMISS.
Participants emphasized that ending conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is not only a protection and human rights imperative, but also a prerequisite for lasting peace and social cohesion.
The following day, UNMISS partnered with the National Police Service to commemorate the Day with an event that began with a solidarity march from the National Police Headquarters in Buluk to the Police Club in central Juba. Accompanied by the police brass band, marchers made their way through the capital's busy streets, drawing support from onlookers and community members along the route.
Aligned with the overarching theme, the second event focused on the role of the National Police Service in preventing and responding to CRSV. Discussions highlighted the importance of survivor-centred policing, accountability, community engagement, and early warning mechanisms as critical tools for prevention, protection, and timely response.
"Sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, as a psychological weapon. This occurs in many post-conflict societies because the institutions meant to protect women have been weakened by conflict," said Deputy Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Thomas Jal Thomas, the guest of honour at the event.
Across both events, participants were unanimous in their call to support survivors and strengthen prevention and accountability mechanisms. Through solidarity and a shared commitment to peace, South Sudan can create the conditions necessary for healing, and build a future free from CRSV.
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By Robin Giri
