By John Akoon
The Ministry of Health in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State has called on the community to promptly report rape cases to the nearest health facilities for immediate medical attention.
Speaking to The Standard Zone last week Tuesday, Marko Ayuel Ayuel, the Director of Reproductive Health Services at the state ministry, emphasized that gender-based violence (GBV), including rape, poses a serious threat to victims’ lives.
“Report any case of gender-based violence to the nearest hospital because these cases, particularly rape, are life-threatening and require urgent medical intervention from experts,” Ayuel urged.
Ayuel revealed that gender-based violence remains prevalent in the state, with nine cases recorded so far in 2025. He highlighted that the lack of age assessment certificates for rape survivors is a major challenge in clinical management and legal proceedings, calling on parents to ensure their children have these certificates.
“If parents do not bring their children for age assessments, it complicates the legal proces,” Ayuel explained “When a case arises and the survivor lacks an age assessment certificate, it becomes difficult for the high court and the Ministry of Health to issue one.”
Gender-based violence, which includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, remains a significant issue in South Sudan, with women and girls being the most affected.
In Northern Bahr El Ghazal, GBV cases surged last year, with 43 reported incidents where 33 involved forced marriages and 10 cases of rape.
The prevalence of GBV in South Sudan is deeply rooted in cultural norms, prolonged conflict, and weak legal frameworks.
According to reports from humanitarian organizations, sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, and many survivors face stigma and limited access to justice.
The lack of proper enforcement of laws, coupled with societal attitudes that often blame victims, makes it difficult for survivors to seek help.
During a recent roundtable workshop organized by UNDP and other partners on the clinical management of rape and prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence cases, Judge Kuol Deng of the Aweil High Court reassured victims that the judiciary is committed to ensuring justice.
He stressed the importance of proper documentation by police investigators to support legal proceedings.
“Without proper documentation and evidence, the path to justice can be significantly hindered,” Kuol noted.
The workshop underscored the need for collaborative efforts among law enforcement, healthcare providers, and judicial bodies to effectively address GBV and support survivors in Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
Strengthening legal frameworks, raising awareness, and ensuring medical and psychological support for victims are crucial steps in the fight against GBV across South Sudan.
