(JUBA) – A national advocacy forum hosted by the European Union Delegation in South Sudan brought renewed attention to the plight of children born of conflict related sexual violence (CRSV), calling for their full inclusion in the country’s legal and transitional justice processes. The half day event took place on Monday at the EU conference hall in Juba.
According to a pilot study by the non governmental organisation Rights for Peace, children born as a result of wartime sexual violence in South Sudan are among the most vulnerable and marginalised in society. These children face rejection, stigma, physical and psychological harm and economic hardship. Many remain invisible in national policies and unprotected under existing laws.
Opening the event, Lothar Jaschke, Deputy Head of Mission at the EU Delegation to South Sudan, commended the various organisations working on the issue. He thanked Rights for Peace, the Global Survivors Fund, Active Youth Agency, Steward Women, the Survivors Network in South Sudan, and the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice for their contributions.
“These children are innocent, yet suffer double harm. Often, they are not accepted by their own families and face lifelong discrimination,” said Jaschke. “They must be at the centre of the reparation process, in a way that protects their dignity and prevents further trauma.”
The event drew participants from across the country, including representatives from Western Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity State and Juba, as well as members of the South Sudanese Survivors Network based in Uganda. The discussions focused on ways to incorporate the rights of CRSV born children into transitional justice frameworks and legal reforms currently under review in South Sudan.
Three national legislators attended the advocacy event: Hon. Dr Ghada James Killa, Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee, Hon. William Obony, Deputy Chair of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee and Hon. Isaac Elias Ibrahim, Deputy Chair of the Gender Committee. Their presence was seen as a sign of growing political interest in addressing this long overlooked issue.
Also present were officials from the South Sudanese Ministries of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and Peace Building. International partners and human rights bodies such as UNFPA, UNICEF, UNMISS, the Global Survivors Fund, and the South Sudan Human Rights Commission also took part.
Speakers at the forum stressed that without legal recognition and protection, children born of CRSV risk being left behind as South Sudan pursues national healing and justice reforms.
The EU delegation reiterated its commitment to supporting South Sudan in implementing inclusive policies that address the needs of all war survivors, especially children who continue to suffer from the consequences of crimes they did not commit.
The event concluded with calls for legislative action to embed child sensitive reparations and safeguards for CRSV-born children in national law, including provisions that prevent stigma, ensure access to education, and provide psychosocial support.