The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Monday lauded efforts by South Sudan`s People`s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in fighting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Speaking during a workshop on SGBV prevention, security sector reform, and civil society involvement in Juba, the Commission’s chief of staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede, praised the move by the SSPDF to create and operationalize military courts to try soldiers involved in SGBV.
“I am aware of steps that the SSPDF has taken to promote accountability for those soldiers accused of committing acts of sexual and gender-based violence through field court-martial,” he said. “Additionally, the development and implementation of special protection units by the South Sudan National Police Service with the core objectives to prevent and investigate gender and child-based offenses are also recognizable steps to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens.”
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), about 65 percent of women in South Sudan will experience some form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) such as child marriage and rape in their lifetime. Some of these are fueled by the legacy of conflict which the country is still grappling with.
Kebede noted that it is important to highlight the positive steps and that pressure must be applied where more effort is needed.
“This is why events such this one are important as they represent a collaborative and constructive coming together of key actors, including the security forces (both police and military), the UN, the respective ministries, and civil society actors,” he added.