In a statement issued on 19 June 2026, WOJE highlighted the devastating and enduring impact of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), which continues to affect millions of women, girls, men, and boys around the world. The organization noted that rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, sexual torture, and other forms of sexual violence remain widely used as tactics of war, intimidation, displacement, and social control, leaving deep physical, psychological, social, and economic scars on survivors, their families, and entire communities.

The Reality Facing Survivors in South Sudan

WOJE emphasized that conflict-related sexual violence remains a painful reality for many women and girls in South Sudan. Despite ongoing peacebuilding efforts and commitments under national and international frameworks, survivors continue to face significant barriers to safety, justice, healthcare, psychosocial support, and economic recovery.

The organization pointed out that stigma, fear of retaliation, insecurity, and limited access to essential services often prevent survivors from seeking the support and protection they need. These challenges not only affect individual survivors but also undermine broader efforts toward peace, stability, and development.

Drawing from its extensive work with women and girls across South Sudan, WOJE shared that it has witnessed both the devastating consequences of conflict-related sexual violence and the remarkable resilience of survivors. Many women and girls continue to rebuild their lives, support their families, and advocate for justice and peace despite facing immense hardships.

Addressing the Root Causes

According to WOJE, ending conflict-related sexual violence requires more than responding to incidents after they occur. Sustainable solutions must address the underlying drivers of violence, including gender inequality, harmful social norms, impunity, militarization, and the exclusion of women from leadership and decision-making processes.

The organization stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved while women and girls continue to live under the constant threat of violence. Ensuring their protection, participation, and empowerment must remain central to peacebuilding and development efforts.

WOJE's Call to Action

As part of its commemoration of the day, WOJE called upon various stakeholders to take urgent and coordinated action:

• The Government of South Sudan to strengthen efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and uphold survivors’ rights to justice, protection, and comprehensive support services.
• Security actors and armed groups to fully comply with international humanitarian and human rights law and implement concrete measures to prevent all forms of sexual violence.
• Development partners and humanitarian organizations to continue investing in survivor-centered services, including healthcare, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and economic empowerment initiatives.
• Community leaders, faith leaders, and families to challenge stigma, support survivors, and promote gender equality and non-violence within communities.
• Women and girls to continue raising their voices and participating meaningfully in peacebuilding, leadership, and decision-making processes at all levels.

Centering Survivors in the Pursuit of Peace

WOJE reaffirmed that survivors’ voices and experiences must remain at the center of all efforts to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence. Their stories, resilience, and determination serve as a powerful reminder that healing, justice, and lasting peace are possible when survivors are heard, protected, and empowered.

The organization reiterated its commitment to working alongside communities, partners, and stakeholders to build a South Sudan where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination and fully participate in shaping the country's future.

A Future Free from Violence

As the world marks this important day, WOJE calls on all sectors of society to stand in solidarity with survivors and strengthen collective action against conflict-related sexual violence.

Together, we can build a future where no woman or girl experiences sexual violence as a consequence of conflict.

Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE)

Juba, South Sudan

19 June 2026