Governor Badagbu announced the development of a comprehensive child protection strategy, which includes establishing a state-wide case management system to monitor abuse and ensure follow-up

By Emmanuel Mandella

In a powerful address during the reopening session of Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu declared his commitment to gender justice, child protection, and human rights, signaling a new era of accountability and reform in the state.

Ag. Governor Badagbu emphasized that “gender justice is not just a policy, it is a national responsibility.”

He announced the formation of a Human Rights and Social Justice Task Force to lead policy coordination and monitor the implementation of recommendations from national and international human rights bodies.

“We will not look away while the most vulnerable women, children, and the marginalized continue to suffer. Our mission is clear: to create a society where justice is accessible to all and no child suffers abuse in silence,” he declared.

The Governor’s remarks come in the wake of disturbing reports of child rights violations in the State, including cases of sexual abuse, child neglect, and the recruitment of children into armed groups.

In June alone, the Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Yambio recorded over a dozen cases of defilement and rape, many of which involved minors. In Maridi and Nzara counties, several children were found to be living in unsafe conditions, with some reportedly subjected to forced labor in the informal sector.

Local rights groups have long accused authorities of failing to act on such violations, with many survivors left without access to legal recourse or psychosocial support.

But with the Acting Governor’s new directive, the tide could change redraft a new framework for protection.

Governor Badagbu announced the development of a comprehensive child protection strategy, which includes establishing a state-wide case management system to monitor abuse and ensure follow-up, training of caregivers, educators, and community leaders on child safeguarding.

Recruitment of qualified social workers to be deployed across all counties, implementation of clear reporting and investigation mechanisms for child abuse in both formal and informal settings.

The Governor also committed to enhancing training for law enforcement and judicial officers on international human rights laws and inclusive justice approaches, aimed at transforming the state’s justice system from punitive to protective, especially for women and children.

Reacting to the Acting Governor’s speech, Mary Undo, a women’s rights activist from Hai Baiporu in Yambio, said:

“This is the leadership we have been waiting for. For too long, our girls have been abused and forgotten. If this task force works, it will restore hope.”

“Children need more than words; they need action. If social workers are recruited and schools are empowered, the safety of children will finally be achieved,” said one of the teachers,

While the challenges in Western Equatoria remain significant, Badagbu’s speech marked a pivotal moment. By placing gender justice and child protection at the center of the state’s legislative agenda, the Acting Governor has drawn a line in the sand, promising not only to address past failures but to build a safer future for all.

As the assembly resumes its work, eyes across the state and the country will be watching to see if these words will be followed by decisive action.