UN experts call for prosecution of senior officials for sexual assaults in South Sudan

MADRID, 8 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

A commission of UN experts on Human Rights has asked to open legal proceedings against high-ranking government and military officials for their responsibility in the increase in sexual violence in South Sudan and given the impunity of most cases.

"I would like to believe that there will soon be accusations at high levels and that it will be a consequence of our work," said one of the three members of the commission, Andrew Clapham, quoted by the BBC.

The experts traveled to the country last week on a four-day visit in which they met with high-ranking officials such as the Minister of Justice, civil society representatives, officials from UN agencies and diplomats.

This is a follow-up trip to the recommendations contained in the report published this year on widespread sexual violence against women and girls.

Thus, they have also met with women's organizations and with survivors of sexual assaults whose complaints are included in the report.

"This visit was intended to plan civil society activities and also convey our message to the government about a need for a zero tolerance policy on sexual violence in South Sudan," Clapham added from the capital, Juba.

The United Nations has reported an increase of more than 200 percent in cases of conflict-related sexual violence during the second quarter of the year, compared to the same period in 2021, although it has recognized that the total number of civilian victims of violence has registered a decrease in general lines.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has indicated that during this period it has registered 922 civilian victims, 15 percent less than at this stage in 2021, although it highlights a rebound of 218 percent in sexual violence related to the conflict.