HRC57 – ID on the oral update of OHCHR on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan : LAW Statement

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 57th REGULAR SESSION  

Statement by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for South Sudan 

03 October 2024 

Mr President, Honorable Minister, distinguished representatives, colleagues 

Let me start by sharing the words of a South Sudanese survivor of sexual violence.  

“I don’t want this to happen to my daughter. My life has been destroyed. The women are innocent, they do not take part in the war, you must not revenge against them.”  

These words are not the experience of one survivor but of thousands. They want sustained and holistic support to seek justice and accountability, access psychosocial and medical services, and to ensure their children will be safer. 

Since LAW started working in South Sudan 10 years ago, we have witnessed the welcomed ongoing efforts of the state to recover from the conflict and build its institutions. Unfortunately, they are not enough for survivors. 

Access to justice, with protection against reprisals, must be a priority. Civilian investigators, prosecutors and judges must use the technical assistance and years of capacity capacity building provided to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate sexual violence as a war crime, and take ownership of the justice process. Victims and survivors must be given access to domestic avenues for justice: since the establishment of the Hybrid Court continues to be delayed, judicial actors must step up and implement existing legislation already allowing them to do so, such as the Geneva Convention Act.  

For healing to take place, South Sudanese victims and survivors need a strong, supportive, and free of fear civilian legal system. Domestic and international support towards this objective is crucial to its success. 

Thank you.