December 9th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – The UN agency, the World Food Programme (WFP) on Friday strongly condemned sexual assault carried out against 150 women who were caught by the South Sudanese armed forces while travelling from Rubkona’s Nhialdiu Payam to the state capital Bentiu in mid November.
In November, about 150 women and girls who were travelling from Rubkona County’s Nhialdiu Payam were sexually attacked by soldiers loyal to the South Sudan’s army sparking international condemnations with call on South Sudan government to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to book.
“WFP strongly condemns the attacks conducted against girls and women in parts of Northern Liech state. Between 19 and 29 November, over 150 women and girls were physically assaulted and raped while travelling to Bentiu town for multiple reasons including collection of firewood, going to markets and attending food distributions,” the United Nations Agency said in a statement seen by the Nyamilepedia.
The World Food Programme (WPF) revealed that, it is at the forefront working in collaboration with humanitarian respondents and partners in an effort to reduce effects of sexual assault on the South Sudanese women and girls.
“WFP is working with partners to mitigate further attacks. UNMISS have commenced patrols along risky parts of the road during days of distribution, and is clearing bushy areas along roads and community paths,” the statement said.
In a bid to mitigate effects of gender-based violence on women, the UN agency revealed that it had prepared itself to bring services closer to the communities that are prone to fall victim to armed forces.
“In the meantime, WFP has prepared itself for the possibility of bringing distribution points closer to communities and, together with partners, will continue to engage with the community to determine the people’s perceptions of safety and security, as well as their preference for locations of assistance,” added the statement.
