AU special envoy urges South Sudan to respect women's rights

The special envoy of the African Union for women, peace and security says South Sudanese women are requesting more justice in the ongoing reconciliation in the country.

Bineta Diop was talking after meeting with civilians and members of government during which she insisted that it is time to abandon weapons and embrace peace.

“They have shared their experience and we want to echo their voice, they are still saying they are facing insecurity, wherever we are, whichever group we belong to. So we also need to see peace in South Sudan, “ AU special envoy for women, peace and security, Bineta Diop said. Pillaging of cattle, and destruction of homes, during clashes in South Sudan left scores of women have been subjected to appalling sexual violence, rights groups say.

“It’s time for us to silence the guns in South Sudan. It’s time for us to make sure that we restore peace in this country, but in particular we restore the dignity of the women of South Sudan,” Benita added.

Human Rights watch say they have documented dozens of cases of rape, including gang rapes.

South Sudan’s government and the judiciary has been accused of lacking the political will to handle the cases which has somehow led to an increase in cases of violence.