South Sudan Civil Society Coalition for the Universal Periodic Review (SSCSC-UPR) Stands in Solidarity with Women and Girls of South Sudan During 16 Days of Activism and marks international Day of Human rights

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that seeks to raise awareness about the widespread issue of gender-based violence, promote advocacy for policy reforms, and encourage action to prevent violence against women and girls. The campaign began on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on International Human Rights Day, December 10th.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that seeks to raise awareness about the widespread issue of gender-based violence, promote advocacy for policy reforms, and encourage action to prevent violence against women and girls. The campaign began on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on International Human Rights Day, December 10th.

The SSCSC-UPR stands in solidarity with the women and girls of South Sudan, marking the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence by reaffirming its commitment to advocating against GBV. South Sudan continues to grapple with widespread sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Despite some progress toward gender equality, including the introduction of a 35% gender quota for political participation, South Sudan still faces significant challenges in combating SGBV. Approximately 65% of women and girls in South Sudan have been affected by sexual and gender-based violence, underscoring the persistent structural discrimination exacerbated by harmful social norms.

On Human Rights Day, the Coalition emphasizes the intersection between gender inequality, human rights violations, and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of all individuals, particularly women and girls in South Sudan.

Progress and Acknowledgments

The SSCSC-UPR UPR has been actively advocating to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to sign, ratify, and incorporate international and regional legal frameworks related to gender equality and human rights into the country’s national laws. Notable achievements in this regard include:

●      Ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa (Maputo Protocol): South Sudan ratified the Maputo Protocol on February 24, 2023, a decade after signing it in January 2013. This protocol, part of the African Union’s commitment to protect and promote the rights of women, is a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality in South Sudan.

●    The ratification of the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) in South Sudan.It ensures the protection of civil and political rights, promotes accountability, and strengthens the rule of law, essential for democratic governance and human rights.

●    Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): South Sudan has also acknowledged the importance of protecting the rights of persons with disabilities by ratifying the CRPD.

●      Ratification of Transitional Justice Bills: The country has taken steps to address past injustices through the ratification of transitional justice bills, a critical element for building peace and promoting human rights.

●      International Support: The UPR Coalition acknowledges the vital support of international partners, including the UN Commission on Human Rights, the African Union, and the broader UN system, especially UNFPA, in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and providing essential case management services for survivors. Their ongoing engagement is crucial for the protection of human rights in South Sudan.

Urgent Call for Action

As the 16 Days of Activism comes to an end, the SSCSC-UPR urges the Government of South Sudan to take more decisive actions to address the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination, and injustice. The following recommendations are critical for the government’s response to the needs of women and girls in the country:

  1. Fully Realize International Protocols: South Sudan must fully implement international frameworks such as UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Maputo Protocol. This includes ensuring women’s meaningful participation in peace processes, political roles, peacekeeping, and decision-making bodies, while maintaining the 35% gender representation target in governance.
  2. Gender Mainstreaming: The government must address structural gender discrimination by mainstreaming gender equality across key sectors, particularly the police and military. This would include ensuring equal participation of women and their placement in Special Protection Units (SPUs), creating safer environments for women in both public and private spheres, including women in the grass roots and people with disabilities.
  3. Judicial Reforms: The need for judicial reform is urgent. South Sudan must ensure the independence, efficiency, and fairness of its judiciary to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable and ensure victims of violence have access to justice.
  4. Expedite Transitional Justice Bills: The government must take swift action to implement transitional justice bills, which are essential for addressing past human rights abuses and fostering reconciliation.
  5. Enact Anti-GBV Law: The government should accelerate the enactment of the Anti-GBV bill into law and strengthen legal frameworks to effectively combat violence against women and children
  6. Zero Tolerance Policy for GBV:: A comprehensive zero-tolerance policy for gender-based violence must be integrated across all sectors, embedded in national proposed legislation like the Anti-GBV Bill, and supported by institutional frameworks. The government should ensure strict legal protections for survivors, including access to shelters, legal aid, and counseling. Law enforcement, the judiciary, and healthcare providers must receive specialized training to handle SGBV cases sensitively.

Conclusion

The SSCSC-UPR stands firm in its commitment to advocating for the rights of women and girls in South Sudan. The implementation of international legal frameworks, judicial reforms, and effective policies for combating gender-based violence are critical to improving the lives of South Sudanese women and ensuring their participation in all spheres of society. As the country continues to make progress, it is essential that the government takes meaningful action to address the pervasive gender-based violence and structural discrimination that continues to harm so many women and girls.

On December 10th, International Human Rights Day, it is important that we commemorate and remember the human rights of all South Sudanese people, particularly the women and girls of South Sudan. Their rights are of utmost significance—indelible and inherent—and no one has the right to take them away. We continue to advocate for change and for a transition to ethical behaviors in the nation, where the rights and dignity of every individual, especially women and girls, are fully respected and protected.

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