The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict says a 74 percent of the rape victims in South Sudan are below the age of 18.

Zainab Hawa Bangura says the statistic was drawn from Juba Teaching Hospital.

She made the statement in a press conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, following her first mission to South Sudan to assess the situation on sexual violence.

Bangura said political and legal efforts by the Government and civil society are needed to in order to stop sexual violence in the country.

“In my thirty years of experience, I have never witnessed anything like what I saw in Bentiu. The IDPs seeking refuge there face a combination of chronic insecurity, unimaginable living conditions, acute day to day protection concern and rampant sexual violence. Survivors feel like they have no one to turn to, to report the crimes that are committed against them. The character of sexual violence crimes is shocking.” She said.

Bangura reported that the victims of rape included boys and girls and even men.

“Survivors and health care workers told me heart breaking stories of rape, gang-rape, abduction, sexual slavery and forced marriage. Those who try to fight back against their attackers are often raped with objects instead. Some victims have been even raped to death. Victims include men, women, girls and boys. According to the statistics given to me by the Juba Hospital 74% of the victim are below the age of 18. The youngest victim they have treated was two years old”, she lamented.

During her visit to Juba two weeks ago, Bangura met with President Salva Kiir and other senior government officials.

She discussed with them some measures that need to be undertaken in order to prevent sexual violence in the country.