South Sudan: Increase in abductions and sexual violence unacceptable

South Sudan: Increase in abductions and sexual violence unacceptable

**South Sudan Faces Surge in Abductions and Sexual Violence Amidst Overall Conflict Reduction**

Juba, South Sudan – While South Sudan has witnessed a welcome decrease in overall conflict-related incidents, a disturbing trend has emerged: a significant increase in abductions and incidents of sexual violence. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed grave concern over this development on Friday, highlighting the vulnerability of civilians, particularly women and children, despite broader improvements in the security landscape.

The reduction in large-scale armed clashes between warring factions has been attributed to ongoing peace negotiations and a general fatigue with conflict amongst communities. However, this apparent progress is being undermined by the insidious rise in targeted violence. UNMISS reports indicate that abductions, often carried out by armed groups and criminal elements, are being used for ransom, forced recruitment, and sexual exploitation.

Sexual violence, including rape and other forms of gender-based abuse, remains a pervasive issue, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The perpetrators are diverse, ranging from members of armed groups to opportunistic criminals exploiting the instability and displacement caused by years of conflict. The lack of adequate law enforcement and judicial capacity in many areas further exacerbates the problem, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity.

The UNMISS statement emphasized the urgent need for the South Sudanese government to prioritize the protection of civilians and to strengthen its capacity to prevent and respond to these heinous crimes. This includes bolstering law enforcement presence in vulnerable areas, improving access to justice for survivors of sexual violence, and implementing comprehensive programs to address the root causes of conflict and gender inequality.

Furthermore, UNMISS called upon all parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law and to take concrete steps to prevent their forces from engaging in abductions and sexual violence. The mission reiterated its commitment to working with the government and civil society organizations to address these challenges and to promote peace and stability in South Sudan.

The rise in abductions and sexual violence underscores the fragility of the peace process in South Sudan and the urgent need for a more holistic approach to security. While the reduction in overall conflict is a positive sign, it is clear that lasting peace will only be achieved when all civilians, particularly women and children, are safe from violence and exploitation. The international community must continue to support South Sudan in its efforts to build a more just and equitable society, where the rights and dignity of all are respected and protected. Failure to address these critical issues risks undermining the progress made thus far and plunging the country back into widespread instability.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.