Attacks on girls in South Sudan spark urgent calls for action

Girls and women in South Sudan face danger almost every day. Armed men took four girls in Jonglei state while they were on their way to exams. The community tried to find them, but the girls are still missing, according to Human Rights Watch.

This isn’t the only case. Just a week earlier, police in Juba arrested seven men after a 16-year-old girl was gang-raped. A video of the attack spread online and sparked anger. The government and activists called for justice, but convictions are rare. In May, more than 100 girls were trapped in their boarding school when armed youths surrounded the building. Teachers locked the gates until peacekeepers arrived.

These stories show a bigger problem. Years of fighting, too many guns, and customs like bride price put girls and women at risk. Their bodies and futures often get used as bargaining chips in disputes.

Some groups are trying to help, and communities are stepping in to protect girls. South Sudan has signed international agreements to protect women and children. A new bill could ban forced and child marriage and offer help to survivors, but it still needs to pass. Rights groups say parliament should act quickly.

For girls in South Sudan to feel safe, leaders need to fix the justice system, punish attackers, and keep schools safe. Every girl should be able to go to school without fear.