International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence: ICRC calls for survivor-centered reporting in South Sudan
Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 2 hours ago
Katya Lorent, the Head of Operations for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in South Sudan, speaks to reporters during a media roundtable in Juba on Thursday. The event was organized to promote ethical, survivor-centered reporting ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, observed annually on June 19. Photo: Michael Daniel/Eye Radio.
Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to prevent and respond to sexual violence across South Sudan.
The call was made during a media roundtable discussion in Juba on Thursday. Organized by the ICRC, the event brought together local journalists to promote ethical communication and survivor-centered reporting on conflict-related sexual violence, highlighting the vital links between healthcare access, community protection, and responsible media coverage.
Speaking at the event, Katya Lorent, the Head of Operations for the ICRC in South Sudan, emphasized that sexual violence remains a severe humanitarian challenge, particularly in regions plagued by armed conflict and localized violence.
“Regrettably, sexual violence is and remains a serious human and humanitarian concern in South Sudan, including in situations linked to armed conflict and violence,” Lorent stated.
“Sexual violence has devastating consequences for individuals, for families, and communities. It is often hidden due to fear of reprisal, stigma, concerns about safety, and a lack of access to services.”
Lorent explained that the ICRC works to prevent, mitigate, and respond to these violations through a multidisciplinary framework. This approach combines direct healthcare support, community-based protection mechanisms, and systematic engagement with weapon bearers to reduce operational risks and prevent abuses before they occur.
A central focus of the roundtable was the media’s profound influence on public perception and institutional responses. Lorent noted that journalists are critical partners in shaping accurate and sensitive narratives, warning that the way a story is framed can have lasting consequences for those affected.
She cautioned that insensitive reporting can compound a survivor’s trauma by contributing to social stigma and fear. Conversely, ethical journalism can safely raise public awareness, dismantle barriers to seeking help, and guide survivors toward essential medical and psychological services.
During the interactive sessions, participating journalists exchanged professional experiences, discussed operational challenges in the field, and explored practical ways to protect the dignity, privacy, and safety of survivors.
The debate focused heavily on ethical storytelling techniques and the institutional responsibility of media houses to minimize harm while keeping the public informed.
According to the ICRC, sexual violence frequently goes unreported because survivors fear immediate reprisals, community banishment, and systemic threats to their safety.
The organization reiterated that strengthening absolute access to healthcare, fortifying local community protection networks, and sustaining responsible media engagement remain the cornerstone of addressing the issue effectively in South Sudan.
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed globally every year on June 19 to raise awareness of the devastating impact of war-related sexual abuses and to accelerate international action to support survivors and end impunity.