The Norwegian Embassy and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have signed an agreement to provide support for initiatives focused on combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) as well as Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) crimes.
SGBV remains a concerning issue with the country’s history of conflicts, civil unrest and political instability creating a prevalence of such violence. Inadequacies in the legal system and lack of accountability have contributed to complacency and impunity in dealing with SGBV and CRSV crimes.
Norway has pledged to contribute 14 million Kroner (approx. USD 1,3 million) towards accountability for SGBV and CRSV in South Sudan. This project comes in addition to Norway’s wide support through various channels in empowering of women and girls in South-Sudan and underlines the importance of messages from the 16-days of activism against Gender-based Violence.
The increased support reflects Norway’s global effort to promote justice, human rights and gender equality as well as ensuring peace and security of women through Norway’s new Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan where South Sudan is a priority country.
Ambassador of Norway to South Sudan, H.E. Linken Nymann Berryman, stated the importance of recognizing that SGBV and CRSV not only represent human rights violations but also significant barriers towards achieving peace and stability in South Sudan.
"We support efforts in seeking justice for survivors of violence and work towards holding the perpetrators accountable. We believe that addressing these issues is fundamental in achieving sustainable peace and stability. Norway supports efforts towards creating a safe environment for women and girls in South Sudan where they are empowered to thrive in their own capacities. Empowering women means empowering South Sudan", said Ambassador Linken.
As an advocate for rights and gender equality, Norway is dedicated to supporting initiatives that contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive society for everyone, which is a prerequisite also for a higher level of female participation in the economy. Calculations show that countries can boost their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by as much as 35% by closing the gender gap in the workforce.