UN Special Representatives on Sexual Violence, for Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide urge the government of South Sudan to guarantee accountability for sexual violence.
Pramila Patten, Virginia Gamba and Adama Dieng in a statement, strongly condemn the brutal raping of 150 women and girls in November while going to collect food in Bentiu.
They call on the government of South Sudan to urgently denounce these hateful acts, swiftly investigate and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and held accountable.
They believe accountability is critical to obtain lasting peace and reconciliation among communities in South Sudan.
The representatives call on the government to take all appropriate measures to end the impunity prevailing in the country and protection and safety of its population.
They urge the government to ensure that all victims receive essential medical, psychosocial and legal support necessary for their recovery.
They say it is very disturbing that sexual violence against women and girls remains rampant in South Sudan.