By John Agok
Experts have called for enhanced capacity building for women human right defenders to enable them tackle rising cases of sexual violence against women in South Sudan.
James Fandas, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Human Rights Division Officer said on Monday that they are exploring ways to boost capacity training for women to advocate for ending gender-based violence in the country.
“I am exploring into aspects of potential partners that can support in capacity building, and our office has a budget for that, please you can reach out to the Dutch Embassy in South Sudan and international partners like Non-Violent for Peace Force (NP) they can render technical support and training of women human rights defenders,” said Fandas during celebration to mark International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders in Juba.
The celebration to mark International Day for Women Rights Defenders on 29 November was held under the theme “Activism to end of violence against women and girls in a bid to continue the 16 days of activism”.
Roselyn Mikaya Gama, the representative of the Dutch Embassy cautioned women to take seriously the issue of safety and access to justice.
Rungano Bakasa, the Women and Security Advisor Non-Violent Peace Force called on the transitional government to implement international legal instruments it ratified to safeguard women and girls.
“There is the need for state to uphold its obligation in executing cases against women and girls in reference to international protocols that the government ratified,” said Bakasa.
The Women Human Rights Defenders are currently operating in six states out of ten states and three administrative areas.
