Juba, South Sudan – (07 November 2024) The South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) strongly condemns the violent assault on Advocate James Mabor Mourwel, who was attacked after successfully representing a client in a recent case concerning forced marriage in Lakes State. This reprehensible act not only undermines the rule of law but also poses a severe threat to legal practitioners, human rights defenders, and all those who strive for justice in South Sudan. It further undermines the core values of equality and human dignity that South Sudan must uphold.
The attack took place on November 1, 2024, in Rumbek, Lakes State, shortly after Advocate Mourwel secured a legal victory in a case that sought to hold perpetrators of forced marriage accountable. This violent retaliation underscores a disturbing and growing trend where individuals advocating for human rights and justice are increasingly targeted. Forced marriage is a grave violation of women’s rights and dignity, and those who fight against it should be celebrated, not silenced.
Legal professionals like Advocate Mourwel play a vital role in safeguarding human rights, promoting justice, and ensuring accountability. The brutal assault against him sends a chilling message to all lawyers, human rights defenders, and activists who dare to challenge deeply entrenched injustices, especially in cases related to gender-based violence. It serves as a reminder that those who fight for the rights of marginalized communities are at increasing risk of violence and intimidation.
We are witnessing an environment where lawyers, human rights defenders, and those fighting for gender equality are being targeted with impunity. This is unacceptable, and it must end now. In response to this disturbing attack, the SSCSF calls on the Government of South Sudan, and specifically the Government of Lakes State, to take immediate and decisive action by;
Ensuring that those responsible for the brutal assault on Advocate Mourwel are swiftly identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Allowing such violence to go unpunished sets a dangerous precedent and sends a message that attacks on legal professionals and human rights defenders will be tolerated.
Taking urgent steps to enhance the security and protection of lawyers, human rights defenders, and activists involved in sensitive cases, particularly those addressing gender-based violence and forced marriage. This includes establishing effective mechanisms for their safety, providing resources for their protection, and ensuring they can perform their work without fear of violence or retaliation.
Strengthening Enforcement and Public Awareness. While existing laws against child and forced marriage must be enforced more rigorously to ensure that victims can access justice without fear of reprisal, there is an urgent need to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful cultural practices and educate communities on the legal and moral imperatives to protect girls from forced marriage and gender-based violence.
Finally, we call on other stakeholders including legal professionals, civil society, churches and international partners to join hands to complement government actions to ensure the safety of legal defenders and young girls at risk and to strengthen efforts to eradicate forced marriages and all forms of gender-based violence in South Sudan.
The SSCSF stands in solidarity with Advocate James Mabor Mourwel and all those who continue to fight against injustice in South Sudan. We remain resolute in our mission to advocate for the rule of law, human rights and dignity of all South Sudanese people. We urge all sectors of society to join forces in this critical endeavour to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done, for everyone—especially the most vulnerable.
