Survivors Network South Sudan (SUNS)
About SUNS
The Survivors Network in South Sudan (SUNS) is a survivor-led, nonprofit organization supporting victims of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence (CRSV/GBV) across South Sudan.
Established in 2022 and officially registered in 2024, SUNS works to empower survivors—women, men, girls, and boys—who have experienced rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, and other severe abuses linked to conflict.
With a focus on healing, leadership, and advocacy, SUNS provides vital support, including psychosocial counseling, legal referrals, trauma healing, and livelihood assistance, while creating safe spaces for survivors to rebuild their lives and demand justice.
SUNS represents around 3200 survivors across South Sudan in 6 different locations all over the country.
With a wide network at the local level they are able to reach large numbers of survivors on the ground and have an impact. Facilitating access to medical, psychological and economic support for survivors at the community level allows them to advocate for human rights, sustainable livelihoods and justice for survivors of conflict-based sexual violence. SUNS have created safe spaces by organizing over 30 workshops to encourage survivors to speak out. Visiting survivors from area to area has enabled them to reach large numbers and have a great impact.
By representing so many survivors in various communities they are able to have a strong effect on the national level. Their lobbying work influences policy-making and aims to incorporate lasting changes for the future.
Through their collaboration with various international institutions and organizations they aim for a global impact to end sexual violence globally. Sharing resources and knowledge helps build resilience and create a strong message.
The Vision: Empower survivors to end conflict-related sexual violence in South Sudan
Psychological Support
Counsel and livelihood help provided to survivors
Awareness
Using community events and radio to communicate about survivor's rights
Advocacy
Support for survivors' rights: Events and workshops to align messages.
Support for Children
They provide support to mothers and children born out of rape
Access to Services
Facilitate administrative burdens to access certain mechanisms (Medical and Legal)
Empowerment
Fostering survivor's empowerment through education and collaboration
At Rights for Peace, we are proud to stand alongside SUNS in their mission.
2-Day Workshop – Facilitated a capacity-building workshop designed to equip survivors and provide support in creating a statement to participate meaningfully in the peace process.
Advocacy Event – Monday 10 February 2025, the SUNS Network gathered in Juba and presented the statement to officials, UN agencies and donors on key next steps in establishing the South Sudan’s transitional justice mechanisms.
Joint Statement for the Truth Commission – Finally the the collaborative statement ahead of the incoming Truth Commission was released. It urges for a survivor-centered approach that prioritizes accountability and reparations.
