In recognition of the United Nations’ 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, 20 judge-advocates from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces’ Military Justice Directorate and the peacekeeping mission’s Rule of Law Advisory Section have “joined hands to stand against rape” by holding a roundtable discussion on combatting sexual violence.
The roundtable discussion marks the conclusion of a 12-session training programme led by UNMISS Rule of Law and senior leadership from the Military Justice Directorate to assist judge-advocates to bridge the gap between theory and implementation, identify practical solutions to promote accountability for serious crimes, including sexual violence, and meet the requirements under the national army’s action plan to combat conflict-related sexual violence.
The trainees, a group of 15 judge-advocates, as legal advisors in the Military Justice Directorate are called, were clearly motivated and enthusiastic as they discussed these matters, sometimes quoting or referring to pertinent sections and paragraphs of national laws.
This training, developed and delivered in collaboration with the army’s Military Justice Directorate and with important guest appearances of the UN mission’s Legal Affairs Unit, its Women’s Senior Protection Advisor and other partners, also includes accountability-enhancing best practices and lessons learnt both in South Sudan and in trials abroad.
Since June 2018, judge-advocates have received regular training on international crimes and modes of liability, protection of civilians, the importance of promoting accountability for serious crimes in the national courts, and international humanitarian and criminal law. Today, judge-advocates received certificates for their participation in the training programme and dedication to promoting accountability.
The roundtable discussion was led by the Deputy Director of the Military Justice Directorate Brig. Gen. J. A. Riek Bim Top and included practice-based exercises and discussions on the importance of holding perpetrators of sexual violence to account and protecting survivors. It concluded with judge-advocates identifying five key messages to assist SSPDF military personnel to eliminate rape and sexual violence and protect the citizens of South Sudan.
Alison McFarlane, the judicial affairs officer serving with the peacekeeping mission who led Thursday’s last training session, praised the drafting of these messages.
“They are powerful statements and they will increase the accountability of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces because they ultimately show your dedication and your commitment, to join hands, to stand against rape, and to protect the people of South Sudan,” she said, while reiterating that the peacekeeping mission is ready and willing to support the Military Justice Directorate moving forward.