JONGLEI – Women across South Sudan continue to be subjected to the horror of sexual and gender-based violence, which causes immense emotional, psychological and physical damage.
In the Jonglei region, persistent conflict has driven a disturbing increase in rape, forced marriage, and sexual slavery—tactics used as weapons of war.
On the frontlines of efforts to combat this scourge are the nation’s police force.
To build the capacity of officers in Jonglei State to prevent and respond to this challenge, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan provided dedicated training for 30 officers, including eight women, covering a wide range of topics—conflict and gender-based sexual violence, child protection, HIV/AIDS awareness, community policing, referral pathways, and practical problem-solving.
Officer Ayen Mayen shared the challenges women in the police force face from communities and within the system itself.
“When a policewoman investigates, her life is often at risk. Stronger responses and closer collaboration are what we need to make Jonglei safer, where survivors are protected, and perpetrators face justice.”
Limited resources and fragile infrastructure make police protection even harder.
“While progress has been made, far too many cases remain in the shadows, concealed by stigma, cultural barriers, and limited awareness of legal rights,” noted Police Officer, Colonel Atem Deng.
Commander of the UNMISS UN Police team in Bor Mwewa Mervyn Musonda, stressed that an ethical, compassionate approach to policing can help break the cycle of violence and encourage survivors to seek justice.
“Any effective approach requires safeguarding confidentiality, rejecting all forms of victim-blaming, and ensuring collaboration with specialized teams like the Special Protection Units,” he asserted.
“Ending these offenses requires commitment, coordination, and accountability. Law enforcement restores dignity, defends rights, and builds trust.”
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By Achol Kur Marial Kur
