WESTERN EQUATORIA - A newly established Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Maridi a county in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state, has had a tangible impact on increasing women’s protection.
This confidential space for community members to report violence against women has led to a noticeable reduction in incidents over the past year.
“After the Special Protection Unit was fully functioning, we have seen a distinct increase in reports related to gender-based violence. This has helped us work proactively to hold perpetrators accountable,” said General Stephine Yen Kulual, Maridi’s Inspector of Police.
The facility was constructed with funding from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS), Quick Impact Projects.
However, according to General Kulual, more support is needed. “The SPU needs clean water connections and a fence to ensure that detainees do not attempt to escape. We also need computers so we can maintain our database securely,” he added.
For Sarah Andrew, Chair of the Women’s Association in Maridi, the establishment of the SPU has made a big difference to communities. “Earlier, violence against women was rampant. I used to personally follow up and report on cases at the police station and in the court. But the privacy guaranteed by the SPU has proved to be extremely effective in encouraging survivors of gender-based violence to come forward voluntarily. The custodial capacity within the SPU also provides them with the reassurance that justice will be served,” she stated.
Reverend Godwill Noel, a faith-based advocate who visits the SPU to offer prayers and psychosocial support, also acknowledged the importance of the facility.
“Survivors need to heal not only physically but also emotionally. The SPU provides a space for them to process their trauma and begin rebuilding their lives in a secure environment,” he explained.
The Special Protection Unit includes dedicated spaces for police operations, separate custody rooms for male and female perpetrators, and well‑furnished protection cells that support safer and more dignified handling of cases related to sexual and gender-based violence.
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By Phillip Mbugo
