SUDAN: South Sudan Vows to Address Increase in Gender based Violence in Rural Area

Sunday, November 4, 2010, (JUBA) – The South Sudan Human Rights Commission said on Thursday said that effective mechanisms need to be put in place to address human rights issues particularly those associated with gender rights.

Victor Lado Caesar Tombe, executive officer of the commission says that many women and girls in south Sudan suffer from exploitation, trafficking, gender based violence.

Addressing a press briefing at the premise of the commission at Thongpiny in Juba, the official, announced the start of a campaign against human trafficking and gender-based violence.

Tombe said that the African continent had been tainted by reports of gender based violations but should pay a "pivotal role in finding lasting solutions to the challenges affecting women and girls."

South Sudan Human Rights commission is tasked with monitoring and enforcing the rights and freedoms enshrined in the autonomous region's constitution.

The commission also investigates complaints made by any person or groups involving human rights violations.

It also has an obligation to visit jails, prisons and other places of detention to assess and inspect conditions of the inmates and make recommendations to the relevant authorities.

"A part from these functions, the commission, based on interim constitution of south Sudan has another obligation to establish continuing research programs, educates and gives out relevant information to enhance respect for human rights," he explained.

He urged relevant institutions and civil society organizations and media to help the commission in educating encouraging the public to defend human rights and to monitor compliance by all level of both government and private institutions in line with international and regional rights treaties ratified by the government.

The official said that reports indicated that domestic violence was increasing at a fast rate in rural areas and that it has to be addressed.

"Human rights violations have terrible consequences and far-reaching effects not only to the individuals involved but also to the families, the community and society at large," he said.

"Many people, especially children, have suffered exploitation, abuse and some have even been killed due to their being exposed to gender-based violence. All these issues negatively affect the development of the nation," said Tombe.

He said the upcoming act against human rights violations would provide procedures and regulations on how to deal with cases of domestic violence with the main actions being prevention, enforcement and protection of the victims.

He said his commission, in collaboration with the ministry of internal affairs, judiciary, ministry of legal affairs and constitutional development, has started working out effective interventions aimed at implementing the Act with the support from the United Nations Joint Program on Human rights violations.

He further added that the commission is administering what he termed as National Communication Strategy against Gender Based Violence, which aims sensitize the public on the dangers and effects of gender-based violence in the region.

He advised girls to take advantage of the gender policy and bill of rights embodied in the constitution to help fight gender-based violence and abuse of women and girls' rights.