The United Nations is calling on families, communities and governments at all levels to end child marriage in South Sudan.
The call comes during the first International Day of the Girl Child that is commemorated today.Hilde F. Johnson, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to South Sudan, said in a statement that the UN family is committed to protecting the rights of every South Sudanese girl.
She called for an end of violence against girls and their access to education so they can play a leading role in the development of South Sudan.
The day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
Pelucy Ntambirweki, who heads UNICEF-South Sudan, said child marriage robs young girls of their childhood and chance of going to school.
In South Sudan, child marriage continues to affect thousands of girls undermining their development prospects and participation in education and other developmental activities.
The 2010 Sudan Household Health Survey indicates about 40 percent of South Sudanese girls are married when they are still children.