Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains alarmingly high in South Sudan, putting over 2.7 million people at risk, according to the 2025 UNFPA report.
Despite legal frameworks designed to protect survivors, persistent cultural norms, weak enforcement of laws, and limited access to justice and healthcare continue to fuel the crisis.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, forced marriage, and psychological abuse.
Lucy Akuch’s sister is one such example. She was repeatedly beaten by her husband over several years.
“Every time my sister’s husband abused her, she would report to his family first, and if nothing happened, our family would then call his family,” Lucy narrated.
“These two families would have a meeting and put her husband on the table for discussions, and things would be settled. But nothing changed. The beatings continued.”
After three years of family-led mediation, her father decided to have her child returned home without pursuing legal action.
“To her, this was not the last of its kind, but it managed to settle their disputes in the family and marriage,” the report notes.
Such cases illustrate a wider societal reliance on family and customary mechanisms rather than formal courts.
Men are not immune to abuse, yet cultural perceptions often leave their experiences invisible.
Batal, identified by one name, was beaten by his in-laws following disputes with his wife.
“I had endured several times, but as a man, the community would not believe it,” he explained.
His case, like many others, was settled within the family rather than through formal legal channels, highlighting the widespread influence of customary law over statutory protections.
While South Sudan has laws to address GBV, including the Penal Code and the Child Act 2008, enforcement is inconsistent.
Customary settlements often involve compensation or fines rather than justice for survivors.
“Families can settle cases, and perpetrators pay fines or compensation, which in most cases are higher than what the court would order,” explains human rights activist Nyarow Hellen. “This undermines legal accountability.”
Stigma is another major barrier. Many survivors fear social ostracism, retaliation, or further trauma, leading them to remain silent.
According to a 2019 UNICEF report, only 7 percent of survivors reported cases to the police, 37 percent sought medical help, while 43 percent did not report due to fear. 57 percent felt reporting would not help.
James Dak Karlo, Director of Special Protection Unit and Child Affairs, emphasized the need for legal reforms.
“Most survivors of SGBV are being discouraged to report due to fear and also because of the culture. Without the Anti-Gender Based Violence Bill, resolving gender-based violence, especially domestic violence, will be very hard.”
He added that the Sudan Penal Code 2008 restricts complaints between couples, leaving families to manage disputes privately.
Civil society organizations report a troubling daily rate of violence. Zabib Musa Loro, Executive Director of Women Justice and Equity (WOJE), said: “Between 2024 and 2025, WOJE responded to over 115 cases of violence against women, including conflict-related sexual violence, marital rape, and child rape.
Some cases involve children as young as five, and justice is rarely served promptly.” She cited a case where a 13-year-old girl was raped by a religious leader, yet the survivor remains in treatment and the perpetrator has not been held accountable.
Mobile courts and alternative justice mechanisms have emerged to fill gaps in the system. In 2025, the Juba mobile GBV court adjudicated 129–60 cases over 40 days, concluding 60 in favor of survivors while releasing 62 on bail.
Despite these efforts, the high 65 percent lifetime prevalence of SGBV for women demonstrates that these interventions address symptoms rather than the root causes.
Cultural norms, economic dependence, and fear of ostracism often push families to opt for quick settlements over formal justice. “Marital rape is considered a taboo to speak of,” Zabib added.
“Some families even marry the victim to the abuser for financial gain, reflecting cultural norms that view SGBV as a private family matter.”
Legal reforms, community awareness, and integrated survivor support services are essential to combat SGBV effectively.
As Dak noted, “Without reporting, perpetrators continue their crimes, endangering communities. Awareness, counseling, and law enforcement must work together to protect survivors and prevent recurring violence.”
The UNFPA report highlights that gender-based violence in South Sudan remains pervasive, deeply rooted in social norms, and requires urgent legal, social, and community-based interventions to protect the most vulnerable populations.
