The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare has expressed strong condemnation of the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Shirikat, Juba.
On Thursday, a video surfaced online showing a young girl
being gang-raped in the Shirikat area of Juba, by a group of over five young
men sparking widespread outrage among the public and activists.
Minister Aya Benjamin Libo Warille described the act as a grave
violation of human rights and an assault on the dignity and safety of young
women and girls.
“We stand in solidarity with the victim and her family
during this difficult time. Such acts of brutality have no place in our society
and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Warile said.
She stated that this is not just a crime against an
individual; it is a crime against our values, our future, and our collective
humanity. The perpetrators must be brought to justice swiftly and decisively.
Warile stated that the assault is not merely a crime against
an individual, but a direct attack on the core values, future, and collective
humanity of society. She called for decisive prosecution of the perpetrators,
underscoring the need for immediate justice and accountability.
“Our law enforcement agencies must act with the utmost
urgency to investigate this case thoroughly and ensure that all those
responsible are held accountable,” she urged.
Warille pledged her ministry's commitment to working with
law enforcement, community leaders, and civil society organizations to address
the root causes of violence against women and girls through prevention, victim
support, and stronger legal frameworks.
“We call on parents
and community leaders to actively engage in fostering a culture of respect,
empathy, and zero tolerance for violence,” Warile stated.
Police have arrested the suspects as calls for justice and
accountability intensify among the public and human rights activists.
South Sudan’s Penal Code of 2008 penalizes rape with up to
14 years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
