THE CRIMINALIZATION AND PROSECUTION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE OFFENCES AT NATIONAL LEVEL: THE NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE REFORM IN SOUTH SUDAN

Abstract

Sexual violence against women in South Sudan is rife amidst the ongoing internal armed conflict that erupted on 15 December 2013. As a new country emerging from civil wars spanning more than two decades, South Sudan has an enormous, yet unenviable task of reconstruction and development in all spheres. The justice system is no exception, and to this end it needs serious reform of its customary and statutory laws in order to ensure that it can effectively criminalize these crimes and prosecute offenders of sexual violence. This article reflects on whether South Sudan currently has the capacity to achieve this.