South Sudan Council of Churches denounces stigma against sexual violence survivors

The South Sudan Council of Churches, in a statement released 19 June, denounced the stigmatization of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in South Sudan. The statement commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The statement recalled the influence of churches and religious communities on society; expressed respect for all victims of war; and condemned sexual violence as one of the most heinous crimes committed during conflicts.

“We invite all citizens, local communities and public institutions, to refrain from discriminating, rejecting, restraining, and stigmatizing survivors of sexual violence in conflict,” the statement reads. “We recommend the improvement and availability of all services that the survivors need - health and psychosocial care, justice and economic empowerment.”

South Sudan Council of Churches