JUBA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' children's agency, UNICEF, on Friday condemned the recent abductions of 65 people in South Sudan's Pibor Administrative Area.
UNICEF said that 16 women and 49 children, who have since been released, were subjected to sexual violence such as rape, physical beatings and gross deprivations, and called on all parties to ensure children's safety and security are assured at all times.
"There can be no justification, not in past atrocities, not in any culture, nor in any law, for this violence against already vulnerable people," it said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The UN agency said the abduction of children has severe consequences on the physical and psychosocial well-being of children, their families, and communities, with almost certain long-term consequences.
"UNICEF is committed to strengthening responses to child protection violations through effective case management, family reunification, psychosocial support and trauma response programs," it said.
UNICEF commended the work of the Greater Pibor Administrative Authority and Jonglei Administration in securing the release of abducted women and children, as well as the urgency shown to safely return the children to Pibor. ■