EU hosts National Advocacy Event on rights of children born of #CRSV

On Monday, the EU in South Sudan hosted a half-day national-level advocacy event on the rights of children born of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in its conference hall in Juba.

According to a recent pilot survey conducted by Rights for Peace, children born of CRSV in South Sudan often lack a protective environment and face physical, psychological and socioeconomic challenges. These children are among the most marginalised and invisible victims of war.

In his opening remarks at the event, Lothar Jaschke, the @EUinSouthSudan's Deputy Head of Mission, applauded the efforts of partners in addressing the issue of children born of CRSV in the new nation. “We are most grateful to Rights for Peace, the Global Survivors Fund, the Active Youth Agency, #StewardWomen, the Survivors Network in South Sudan and the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice for your tireless efforts in addressing the issues faced by children born of conflict-related sexual violence (#CRSV),” he said.

"Children born of conflict-related sexual violence are innocent, yet they suffer doubly. They are not always accepted by their parents and face discrimination. They must be placed at the heart of the reparation process in a child-sensitive and appropriate manner that safeguards their best interests and prevents further stigmatisation and re-traumatisation.”

The national advocacy event brought together participants from Western Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity and Juba, as well as representatives of the South Sudanese Survivors Network in Uganda. The event discussed how to include the rights of children born of CRSV in the transitional justice implementation process and other national laws currently under review.

EUDSSD

The half-day advocacy event was also attended by three national legislators: Hon. Dr Ghada James Killa, Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee; Hon. William Obony, Deputy Chair of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee; and Hon. Isaac Elias Ibrahim, Deputy Chair of the Gender Committee. 

Also in attendance were representatives from #GlobalSurvivorsFund, #UNFPA, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), #UNICEF), the Ministries of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and Peace Building, NGOs, and the South Sudan Human Rights Commission, among others.

EUDSSD