A young girl is recovering from severe injuries at Rumbek State Hospital in Lakes State, South Sudan, after being beaten by her brothers for refusing a marriage partner they had chosen for her.
A doctor at the hospital confirmed the incident to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, stating that the girl had sustained serious injuries and might require transfer to another facility for further treatment.
Lakes State is one of several areas in South Sudan that has introduced laws to combat gender-based violence. Despite the legislation being signed by Governor Rin Tueny following its passage by the State Transitional Assembly, enforcement remains weak, and violations persist.
Forced marriages are a widespread issue in South Sudan, with many girls reportedly resorting to suicide to escape the practice.
Mamer Ajoch Lueth, the girl’s father, who was not present during the incident, blamed his two sons for the attack. He said he plans to take legal action once his daughter’s medical treatment is complete.
Angelina Adhel Malual, Chairperson of the Civil Society Organization Network (CiSON) in Lakes State, condemned the attack and reiterated the importance of girls’ rights to choose their own partners.
“Every girl has the right to decide who she marries, and families must respect that decision,” Ms. Malual said. She urged the state government to enforce the 2022 law against gender-based violence to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Forced marriages, often driven by dowry payments, remain prevalent in South Sudan, with many girls married off before the age of 18. According to a 2017 UNICEF study, 52% of South Sudanese girls are married by their 18th birthday.
South Sudan’s constitution guarantees the right to consent to marriage and defines a child as anyone under 18.
Despite these legal protections, activists say cultural practices and weak enforcement of laws continue to leave many girls vulnerable to forced marriages and violence.