United Nations Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS called for the protection of women and girls during the crisis in the country.
UNMISS head Hilde F Johnson said ‘as we commemorate International Women’s Day, 8 March, the women and girls of South Sudan need to be at the centre of our attention they deserve to be protected and to be safe.’
She added that women and girls should not face the double burden of fleeing for their lives and a second threat of sexual violence.
Ms Johnson said the crisis is hitting women and children the hardest and are suffering from horrendous acts of violence and rape, forcing them to flee for their lives.
She explained that women and children were not only caught in cross-fire, they were targeted and many of them subjected to sexual violence perpetrated by both sides.
The UNMISS head added that rape, forced abortion, sexual harassment and abduction occurred at a far higher rate during the conflict than during times of peace.
She said UNMISS Women Protection Advisors team was working to prevent sexual violence and offer immediate response to survivors.