EU, German Embassy, GIZ and other stakeholders launch ResPECT project in Juba

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04.07.2024

© EUDSSD

The European Union Delegation to South Sudan, the German Embassy in South Sudan and the German International Cooperation (GIZ)on Wednesday together with government officials and implementing partners launched the Respect: Stop SGBV - Respond, Prevent, Educate project. The launch aims at mapping stakeholders, identifying synergies and signing a statement of commitment.

In South Sudan, violence against women has many different drivers, such as gender-based discrimination and harmful social norms as well as the instrumentalisation of women in conflict. Reducing the violence against women in South Sudan must include addressing factors such as poverty, gender norms, education and impunity.

"The response to violence against women and gender inequality should therefore be holistic. It should prevent and protect. It should be geared towards assisting victims and making sure that they are protected in the future," Timo Olkkonen, the EU in South Sudanambassador said during the launch.

"It should criminalize violence against women, strive to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The European Union will remain a proud supporter of gender equality in South Sudan and we look forward to seeing the long-term impact of this programme implemented by GIZ."

Mr Bjorn Niere, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, GIZ Country Director, Sabine Gurtner, and the County Commissioners of Aweil West, Peter Garang, Juba, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon and Yei River, Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa also attended the launch in Juba.

In the spirit of Team Europe, the EU is now co-funding the ResPECT programme, implemented by GIZ, with €5 million, which works with governmental and non-governmental actors at local and sub-national levels to prevent sexualised and gender-based violence, including in the context of forced displacement.