South Sudan association accuses chiefs of violating women’s rights
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eye Radio
The South Sudan Women Advocates Association accuses some traditional chiefs of handling criminal cases beyond their authority and violating women’s rights. Its chairperson Basfila Banisto calls in particular for rape and murder cases to be referred to the appropriate courts.
The chairperson of the South Sudan Women Advocates Association, Basfila Banisto, accuses some traditional chiefs in South Sudan of handling cases beyond their legal authority, including rape and murder. She calls for serious offences to be referred to the appropriate courts.
According to Basfila Banisto, some chiefs have ordered rape victims to marry their attackers or accept compensation, even though rape is a criminal offence. She also says some traditional leaders deny women their constitutional right to inherit property because of their gender.
The official calls for greater engagement with traditional chiefs so that they understand the limits of their authority and distinguish minor cases they can handle from serious offences, such as murder, which must be referred to the High Court.
