Juba, South Sudan – November 26 2024 - The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare (MGCSW), in collaboration with UNFPA, UNICEF, UNHCR, OHCHR and the Protection Cluster (including the Gender Based Violence and Child Protection Areas of Responsibilities),
express their outrage and deep sorrow over the practice of child and forced marriage in South Sudan and the recent deaths of two young girls in Mayom and Guit Counties, Unity State, as a result of forced marriage.

This horrific incident emphasizes the severe and often life-threatening consequences of early, forced and child marriage in South Sudan, a harmful practice that remains underreported and firmly entrenched due to prevailing socio-cultural norms and gender inequality.

The killing of these young girls is an unimaginable tragedy that no young girl should be at risk of. We will continue to raise awareness and work with stakeholders to end this harmful practice, stated Hon. Aya Benjamin Warille, the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare

Forced and child marriage is a grave violation of human rights. Girls forced into marriage often become pregnant while still adolescents, increasing the risk of complications in pregnancy or childbirth which is the leading cause of death among adolescent girls. Let us ensure girls in South Sudan live free from violence and fulfill their potential. said Esperance Fundira, UNFPA Officer in Charge.

The deaths of these young girls serve as a tragic reminder that forced and child marriage is not merely a violation of rights, but a matter of life and death. Immediate action must be taken to address this crisis and prevent further loss of life, added OHCHR Representative

This is unacceptable; no young girls should lose their lives for refusing to marry especially when they are children. All girls have the right to choose and grow up in a nurturing and safe environment with the space to dream of a good future and have pathways and options to attain those dreams. We must act now to protect young girls from child marriage and other harmful traditional practices, said Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF Representative.

Child marriage remains alarmingly widespread in South Sudan. This harmful practice poses severe risks to the health and well-being of young girls and contribute to high maternal mortality rates. Despite the government’s continuous efforts to combat harmful practices with laws setting
the minimum age of marriage at 18, child and forced marriages continue to persist. These conflict the progressive goals the government aims to achieve, violate human rights, jeopardize the future prospects of young girls, and reflect on ongoing gender inequalities.

Furthermore, the Government of South Sudan, in partnership with UN agencies, the Protection Cluster, and other stakeholders, has implemented programs aimed at ending child and forced marriage. The Protection Cluster, along with its Gender Based Violence and Child Protection Areas of Responsibility (AoRs) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), continue to monitor the situation, advocate for policy changes, and support initiatives that protect the rights of girls and young women across the country.

We call upon the Government of South Sudan, along with its leaders, policymakers, communities, and families, to strengthen accountability mechanisms, enforce legal consequences, address the underlying socio-cultural factors that cause child and forced marriages, and provide comprehensive support services for survivors.