Women group in Yei are urging the authorities to crack down on lodges and hotels that they describe as “prostitution grounds” in the town.

According to the head of association for women groups, Charity Dudu, many young girls are sexually abused in some of the lodges.

“As a mother of children I don’t feel happy a child being used in lodges instead of being at school to help us tomorrow,” she told Eye Radio’s Dawn program.

She called upon the government to intensively and thoroughly scour the lodges for young girls and close down those found hosting them.

“Some of these lodges should be closed down. Last time some young girls were arrested taken and sent back to their parents but today they are back to the lodges.”

Last year, authorities in Yei municipality issued an order, banning children from accessing lodges and bars.

However, rights groups say the orders lacked monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.