At least 120 cases of sexual assault reported in Juba, South Sudan -UN

The United Nations has sounded an alarm over the cases of sexual violence and rape against civilians including minors, in South Sudan’s capital Juba.

“Disturbing reports” of sexual violence and rape add to South Sudan’s plethora of problems https://t.co/NenkZQJcB8 pic.twitter.com/bFR11olFCR

— Newsweek Europe (@NewsweekEurope) July 28, 2016

According to the UN, at least 120 cases have been reported since fighting erupted in Juba three weeks ago, between forces loyal to president Salva Kiir and those supporting Riek Machar.

The actions are said to be committed by uniformed soilders as well as men in plain clothes.

Thus, the UN is calling on all parties to immediately sanction the soilders responsible for “ these unspeakable acts of violence.”

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, said that the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan continued to receive “deeply disturbing reports of sexual violence including rape and gang rape.”

In March, the UN released a report indicating that children and disabled in the country had been burned alive an pro- government militia were allowed to rape women as a form of payment.

Rights groups have also accused South Sudan’s military of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Thousands of South Sudanese are currently sheltering in UN sites in Juba, and elsewhere in the country.

South Sudan descended into chaos in 2013 and the latest setbacks in the country are putting a fragile peace deal signed in August at risk.

News Agencies