Yei activist demands laws against sexual violence

File photo: Women and girls walk back after getting food in Bentiu on Dec. 7, 2018.

A women’s rights activist in Yei River State has urged the state government to enact laws against sexual violence in the state.

A women’s rights activist in Yei River State has urged the state government to enact laws against sexual violence in the state.

South Sudan has in recent years seen some of the highest levels of sexual violence in the world. A complete breakdown of the rule of law in conflict zones permitted armed men to operate with impunity.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Activist Mary Boka said despite the crimes committed against women and girls, none of the perpetrators of these crimes have been arrested or arraigned in court.

She said lack of laws against sexual violence makes women and girls in communities fear to report rape or sexual abuse to authorities.

“Let our leaders ensure that young girls and women are protected by laws. We need punitive laws to be implemented so that perpetrators are dealt with because we are not above the laws of this country,” she stressed.

Rosemary, a resident of Yei, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that her 13-year-old daughter was raped by a 38-year-old man. She pointed out that the family reported the case to police authorities to ensure justice takes its course, but the issue was turned down.

“I want this issue to be looked into with seriousness because the girl is still young. I want justice on this case because the perpetrator denied the allegations and I am not happy because the perpetrator was not punished by law,” she said.

South Sudan laws provide for protection of women and girls from sexual abuse and exploitation and gender-based violence, including rape, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.