Amalna South Sudan with support from LWF South Sudan brought together CSOs, Government Officials for the strategic Joint Lobby and Advocacy Meeting for Push of Anti-GBV and Family Law Bills

Amalna South Sudan with support from LWF South Sudan brought together CSOs, Government Officials for the strategic Joint Lobby and Advocacy Meeting for Push of Anti-GBV and Family Law Bills

November 6, 2025, JUBA –Key government officials , represented by the ministry of gender, child and social welfare, office of the Vice president  for gender, child and social welfare, the Judiciary, parliamentary representative, civil society comprising of Youth, networks, coalitions and unions, gender focus organizations and faith based institutions convened in Juba for a one-day Strategic CSO Lobby and Advocacy Meeting aimed at accelerating the passage of South Sudan’s long-pending Anti-Gender-Based Violence (Anti-GBV) Bill and Family Law Bill., implemented by Amalna South Sudan with support from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

The objective of this meeting is to Clear understanding of the status of the two named bills, Clear advocacy strategy and joint statement produced and to increase understanding of CSOs members on the existing Anti-GBV Bill and Family Law, draw existing gaps and make calls on the need to pass these bills into law

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Fight GBV

Hon. Esther Ikere, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, officially opened the event, stressing the urgent need for legal protection against widespread GBV in the country.

She revealed alarming statistics, noting that: 40% of South Sudan’s population is affected by GBV and At least 40 in every 100 people experience intimate partner violence. Child marriage, abductions and sexual violence remain rampant. GBV cases remain underreported due to stigma, fear and lack of knowledge.

Ikere confirmed that a Family Law drafting committee is already in place and that a first draft has been completed, though challenges remain due to differences across the country’s 64 ethnic groups. She urged for increased government funding, establishment of GBV investigation units, and full alignment of family laws with the national constitution.

Civil Society Calls for Urgent Passage of the Bills

Mr. Luate Joseph John, Executive Director of Amalna South Sudan, highlighted the rising number of GBV cases, citing 724 reported cases between January and September 2024. He criticized the weak accountability system, gaps in customary law, and lack of a strong legal framework.

“Justice is not a favor but a right,” he said, calling for renewed commitment to ensure that “no one lives in fear of GBV.”

Partners Emphasize Collective Action

Mr. Korma Vans, Coordinator of the South Sudan Civil Society Forum, called for stronger coordination and unity among organizations, saying consultations have shown that GBV trends in the country are “deeply worrying.”

Representing LWF, Country Representative Mika Jokivuori reaffirmed the organization’s long-term support, emphasizing that the bills align with LWF’s goal of promoting dignity, safety and inclusion.

“Advocacy takes time,” he noted, “but every step brings us closer to a South Sudan free from violence.”

Parliamentary Support Recognized

Hon. Benardo Kpasira, Acting Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, assured participants that once the bills reach parliament, the committee will push for their passage.

“These laws do not harm anyone,” he said. “They protect the rights of all South Sudanese.”

Representing the Vice President for Gender and Social Welfare, Hon. Mary Amer also expressed concern over daily GBV reports and promised to brief Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng on the meeting’s outcomes.

AGILE Project Presented

Amalna’s Program Manager, Kaunda David, gave a detailed presentation of the AGILE Project, which focuses on advocacy, coordination and strengthening stakeholder engagement. Participants raised questions on grassroots involvement, disability inclusion, and project sustainability.

Legal Analysis of the Bills

Legal expert Mrs. Jackline Nasiwa provided an in-depth analysis of the Anti-GBV and Family Law Bills, highlighting:

• The bill’s origins in 2019
• Integration of international frameworks such as the Maputo Protocol and CEDAW
• Critical provisions on sexual offences, marital rape, early marriage, GBV case management and prevention
• Funding gaps and need for decentralizing GBV courts
• Challenges surrounding consent, customary practices and stigma

She also presented the 2022 Family Law Bill draft, which introduces a unified legal framework for marriages, inheritance, marital rights and protection of children.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

Outputs:

• AGILE Project officially launched
• 30 key stakeholders signed commitment banners
• Strong partnerships formed between government, CSOs and development partners

Outcomes:

• Improved understanding of GBV trends and the legal gaps
• Renewed commitment to lobby for passage of the bills
• Strengthened cooperation between government and civil society

Conclusion

The Strategic CSO Lobby and Advocacy Meeting concluded with a united call for immediate passage and implementation of the Anti-GBV and Family Law Bills. Stakeholders emphasized that the laws are essential to protect women, children and vulnerable groups across South Sudan and to strengthen justice, accountability and family stability in the nation.