South Sudan’s Leaders Call for Attitude Shift to Combat Gender-Based Violence

By Denilson Deneki

In a passionate address during the High-Level Parliamentary Dialogue on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV), Hon. Majur Babur Ajak, Chairperson of the Special Committee on Population Network and Development in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), emphasized the urgent need to change societal attitudes towards gender-based violence (GBV) as a crucial part of efforts to combat these pressing issues in South Sudan.

“Ending GBV in our country requires a comprehensive approach to addressing CRSV,” Ajak stated. “We must unite and reshape our perspectives on women’s rights and support a framework that prioritizes their safety and well-being.”

In tandem with Ajak’s remarks, Hon. Angelina Teny, the Minister of Interior, highlighted South Sudan’s commitment to various international treaties aimed at addressing violent crime, stressing that sporadic efforts were no longer sufficient. “We cannot continue to tackle this issue haphazardly. It is critical to institutionalize our response within our security sector agencies to create a robust architecture for safety and justice.”

Adding to the dialogue, Hon. Ayaa Benjamin Warille, Minister for Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, underlined the importance of survivor input in legislative reform. “During our discussions, we will examine existing laws and identify gaps, while also enriching our framework with best practices from other nations. The voices of survivors must lead our efforts as we strive for lasting change.”

The dialogue was further supported by remarks from Mme Esperance Fundira, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge, who stressed that the fight against gender-based violence is “not just an attack on individuals, but on humanity itself.” She outlined the devastating impact GBV has on families and communities and conveyed the need for collective action towards justice and healing for survivors.

Through a cooperation framework that includes the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, UNMISS Women’s Protection Advisory Unit, the International Trade Centre, and various NGOs, the ‘Building Socio-Economic Resilience for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in South Sudan’ initiative was launched, aiming to provide comprehensive support to survivors and foster legal reforms.

This dialogue marks a significant milestone, occurring as South Sudan commemorates the tenth anniversary of its Joint Communique with the UN on the prevention of CRSV. It aims to galvanize support from the Women’s Parliamentary Steering Committee on Population to strengthen legal frameworks and enhance the implementation of protective measures for vulnerable populations.

Organized by the National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, along with UNMISS, UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflicts, and international partners, this dialogue seeks to forge a unified path forward in the fight against gender-based violence.