South Sudan government has expressed concerns over a “report” about rape cases in the young country.
According to Gender, Child and Social Welfare Minister, Awut Deng Acuil, a March 23, 2019 report by an India-based media claimed rape is “licensed” in South Sudan as a new policy in which pro-government militias are rewarded in exchange for their unpaid salaries.
In March 2016, the UN right office said South Sudan government allowed fighters to rape women as payment, describing the country as "one of the most horrendous human rights situations in the world."
“How on earth would a government license rape on a population that voted for independence of the country and which men in South Sudan think the only thing they can do is rape women?” she asked.
“We will not say there is no rape in South Sudan, but the magnitude of how it is being reported is what we need to analyze,” said Awut.
The minister said there is no policy that supports rape in South Sudan.
“Where is the policy? If it is a policy of government, then parliament would have passed it and then the public would know,” she said.
She further said traditions and cultures in South Sudan do not support rape.
“Therefore, we demand the United Nations and the government of India to avail us with the said policy and report,” said Awut.