Dec 3, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The South Sudan government today inaugurated a Gender Based Violence court in Juba which will be responsible for handling cases related to women and children.
The Supreme Court Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut said that the unveiling was part of the overall plans to develop initiatives to reduce GBV and its negative impact.
Justice Chan said that GBV is as a result of men’s mentality that they are more superior to women.
“Gender-based violence is a result of ignorance of some men who think that they are more superior to women. I think such men need medical attention because the way they think is not normal,” He said.Â
Madut added that the timing of the special court was right as it coincided with the time the world is observing the 16 days to address the issues of Gender Based Violence.
“The opening of GBV court is happening at the time the whole world is gearing its efforts for 16 days in order to address issues of GBV, the opening of this court is a timely occasion,” Madut explains.
According to Chan Madut, the budget for GBV establishment is within the budget the judiciary could afford but due to economic crisis in the country, the court had to rely on donations for international partners.
“GBV is a reality and it is happening every minute in our society and in our country. This is a project that is within the budget of the judiciary of South Sudan but our partners assisted us because we are in an economic crisis, their assistance is necessary,” she added.
The UNDP deputy country representative said the establishment of the court will see perpetrators of abuses against women tried.
“Almost 670 cases involving sexual violence have so far been registered with 13 cases of rape against male offenders which have resulted in 12 convictions and that largely demonstrates that people will not get away by taking the law in their own hands and abuse other people’s rights,” said Christy Ahenkora.
The Ministry of Gender and UN Population Fund estimates 6,295 incidents of gender-based violence were recorded from Jan. 1Â to Sept. 30 this year.
