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Bentiu celebrates Human Rights Day against a backdrop of pain and gender-based violence

Bentiu celebrated the International Human Rights Day demanding accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence and other human rights violations.

“Human Rights oiye… oiye, oiye!!!!, shouted William Kuichiang from South Sudan’s Human Rights Commission in Bentiu, as he rallied those attending a celebration of those very rights.

“Human rights oiyee, human rights oiye,” responded the men, women and students attending the event, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“South Sudan needs a strong legal system that will judge civilians and military who abuse the rights of women,” Kuichiang continued.

Those in attendance keenly listened to his message.

His was a message on the need for a functional legal system and accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations, and it comes at a time when authorities in the area are hard at work investigating multiple incidents of gender-based violence.

Reports by the international medical non-governmental organization Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) indicating that 150 women and girls have so far sought treatment for sexual violence suffered at one of its clinics came to light barely two weeks ago. The news came as the country and the world were involved in a campaign for 16 Days of Activism, which is aimed at highlighting the persistent issue of gender-based violence.

Songs and dances brimming with key anti-violence messages were performed by women in Bentiu, who made a point of raising the damning issues raised by the MSF report.

“Please stop beating our mothers and sisters, this is an abuse of human rights that needs to stop immediately,’ sung participating students.

“We demand justice for those who violate our rights,” sang the women in their local dialect. “We will fully engage to report all human rights abuses or violations, despite possible retaliation from our family members,” the women continued to sing.

The celebration took place at the Governor’s compound and was attended by local leaders and representatives of the international community alike.

“Stand up for human rights and take action for stronger respect, greater freedom and more compassion,” said Paul Ebiko from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. “To cement these human right principles and the dignity of women that we are celebrating today, UNMISS will support the government to eradicate all forms of human rights abuses, including the unbelievable recent sexual assaults reported in Bentiu,” he added.

Representing the government at the event, Acting Governor Manal Kong Yoach assured that local authorities will play their part.

“I can ensure the full commitment of the government of South Sudan to protect the fundamental human rights and dignity of the people,” she said.

For community members and displaced persons alike, being able to resume their daily activities, like fetching firewood, without fear of sexual or other assaults is top of the agenda.

“We have the right to education, the right to live and the right to all freedoms, but we are still seeing people violating human rights,” said James Gatluak, who has been staying at a UN protection site in Bentiu.