18 October 2012 – Taking action to tackle crimes against women and children, the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) in Upper Nile state launched a Special Protection Unit today.

Presiding over a ceremony to launch the unit at Malakal Central Police Station, the state government's minister for Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs said that the rate of rape cases, sexual harassment and domestic violence is very high.

"Most of the victims do not report such cases to the police stations because of fear and shame, hence the perpetrators often go scot-free and even continue to commit such crimes," said Ms. Jacqueline Joel Jade. "This must stop."

She urged officers working in the unit to be pro-active in handling cases of violence against women and children and bring offenders to book.

Established with the support of the UN Police (UNPOL) in Upper Nile state and consisting of five SSNPS officers, the unit will handle cases of rape, domestic violence, human trafficking, smuggling, prostitution and pornography.

"This is a big achievement," said UN Police Advisor Siga Jandy. "... Crimes against women and children will now get the attention they deserve and justice will be served accordingly."

She said that the launch was like a dream come true, noting that UNPOL had been working for almost five years to establish the unit.

Malakal Police Station Commander Col. Sebit Gaiwan, who represented the state Police Commissioner at the ceremony, thanked UNMISS for initiating the establishment of the unit.

UNPOL and UNDP recently trained the officers in dealing with crime investigations and crimes against humanity.