South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Survivors of sexual violence in South Sudan seized the opportunity of the global observance day to demand stronger legal protections, accountability for perpetrators, and much-needed healing.
Their message was unequivocal: justice and dignity must be restored for all who have suffered due to conflict-related abuses.
In Juba, survivors, activists, community leaders, and government officials gathered to acknowledge the enduring impact of wartime sexual violence and advocate for enhanced accountability and legislative reforms.
Malala John Mojwok, the National coordinator for survivors network in south Sudan addressed the gathering on Tuesday on behalf of hundreds of survivors across the country, including those from the 1992 civil conflict and survivors in neighbouring Uganda. Malala urged the NationalParliament to pass two crucial bills—the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Bill and the Family Law Bill—to protect women and children throughout the nation.
“This day is for all of us. We are not just victims; we are a network of survivors, and we have come together to say: enough. This violence happened in our country, and it is we who must lead the change,” Malala stated.
Founded in 2022, the South Sudan Survivors Network has evolved into a nationwide movement operating across multiple states, including Boma, the Pibor Administrative Area, and Central Equatoria. Malala credited the support of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) and its Executive Director, Jackline Nasiwa, for aiding the network’s development.
Malala underscored the pressing need for Parliament to pass the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Bill and the Family Law Bill, as well as to implement two already signed laws designed to protect women and children.
“Without survivors, nothing can be accomplished. We have 295 children born out of rape in our network. These children need a future, and the country must acknowledge them. One of them could become president one day,” Malala added
Malala also condemned harmful cultural practices, including situations where rape victims are coerced into marriage with their perpetrators.
“Sometimes, when a rape occurs, some community leaders will turn it into a marriage, forced upon the victim,” she explained. “We need to change this. We must raise these children with dignity and care.”
In an impassioned appeal, Malala called on Parliament members, law enforcement, and civil society to collaborate.
“Without the Ministry of Justice and Parliament, we cannot progress. Women must not continue to suffer in silence. Let us put an end to conflict-related sexual violence in South Sudan.”
Meanwhile, Nyahook Gail Lul, a member of Parliament and women’s caucus, reassured survivors of sexual violence that justice is being pursued in the country.
“We in Parliament are working hard to ensure that justice prevails in the country,” she affirmed.
However, Jackline Nasiwa, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Inclusive Governance, echoed Malala’s concerns, highlighting the long-standing challenges survivors face in achieving justice and societal acceptance.
“South Sudan has been grappling with gender-based violence since independence,” Nasiwa stated. “But it worsened after the crisis. We’ve worked with victims to amplify their voices. However, without delivering justice and redress, we cannot address their suffering.”
Nasiwa commended lawmakers such as Hon. Lawrence for advancing the transitional justice process but reminded attendees that legal adoption alone is insufficient.
“We are still waiting for the transitional justice commission to be established,” she noted. “It is crucial that survivors are at the heart of everything, from truth-telling to decision-making.”
This year’s theme, “Breaking the Silence, Healing the Scars,” resonated profoundly with many present. Nasiwa highlighted the intergenerational trauma inflicted by conflict-related sexual violence.
