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Roundup: East Africa bloc slams sexual violence in South Sudan

Xinhua, August 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

The East Africa bloc on Tuesday condemned reports of widespread sexual violence, including torture, rape and gang rape of women and young girls, by soldiers and unidentified armed men in South Sudan.

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) called on South Sudan authorities to identify and punish perpetrators of rape with the view of ending impunity.

"IGAD appeals to the parties to create an enabling environment for survivors to report acts of rape and other related crimes access requisite services (health, psychosocial, justice) without fear of stigmatization or reprisal," it said in a statement received in Juba.

The regional bloc said such horrendous acts constitute grave violations of international human rights law and may be regarded as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The bloc expressed its disappointment on the recent eruption of conflict in Juba and surrounding areas and the emergence of conflict-related sexual violence, especially rape of women and girls in South Sudan.

Since the fighting erupted in the capital, Juba, on July 8, the UN has continued to receive reports of this kind of inhumane behaviour, despite calls to all parties for its cessation.

Deadly clashes between rival factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and former First Vice-President Riek Machar have sent thousands of civilians fleeing city.

According to UNHCR, some 60,000 people have fled South Sudan's recent violence in the capital city of Juba, bringing the overall number of South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries since December 2013 to nearly 900,000.

The UN mission compounds and civilian protection sites have been attacked. Protection of civilians - including the most vulnerable - remains the core priority of UN Mission in South Sudan.

IGAD called on major parties to the conflict to recall commitments made in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement they signed in 2014 specifically to refrain from "any acts of rape, sexual abuse and torture".

Under the agreement, parties pledged to institute measures such as issuance/ enforcement of orders through military and police chains of command prohibiting sexual violence; establishing accountability mechanisms; exclusion of perpetrators from the security forces and from amnesty provisions; and enhanced multi-sectoral services for survivors.

"IGAD appeals to the parties to the conflict in South Sudan to institute the above measures and take immediate steps towards stopping, reversing, preventing and ending all acts of conflict related sexual violence against women and girls," it said.

The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with all international, continental and regional stakeholders including the AU, UN and other partners to foster implementation of the 2015 peace deal. Enditem