The United Nations warns sexual violence has become “rampant” in the civil war in South Sudan. Fighting erupted in December between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and supporters of his former deputy Riek Machar. More than 10,000 people have been killed, and more than 1.5 million have fled their homes. The U.N. special representative on sexual violence, Zainab Hawa Bangura, said sexual violence is taking place on both sides.

Zainab Hawa Bangura: “Survivors and healthcare workers told me heartbreaking stories of rape, gun rape, abduction, sexual slavery and forced marriage. Those who try to fight back against their attackers are often raped with objects instead. Some victims have even been raped to death. Victims include women, men, girls and boys. According to the statistics given to me by the Juba Hospital, 74 percent of victims are below the age of 18. The youngest victim they had treated is two years old.”