Terekeka Records Fewer Conflict Sexual Violence Cases, Official Says

(TEREKEKA COUNTY) – Terekeka County has recorded only a small number of conflict related sexual violence cases, a local official said on Thursday 19th June as the county marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The global day of observance falls on 19 June each year. It aims to raise awareness, honour survivors and push for accountability for acts that are often used as weapons of war.

Conflict related sexual violence covers rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilisation, forced marriage and trafficking for sexual exploitation in conflict zones.

Under international law, these acts are war crimes, crimes against humanity and can amount to genocide.

Mr. Galdino Bota, Executive Director of Terekeka County, spoke at the event on behalf of the County Commissioner. He thanked the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other partners for making the observance possible.

Mr. Bota said the county is focusing on monitoring, development, unity and security:

“We are at peace and welcome all organisations to carry out their duties here.”

He called on everyone to respect the rights of each individual and urged people not to use violence to solve problems in families, the county or South Sudan as a whole.