NEW YORK, NY – During today’s United Nations (UN) Security Council open debate on women, peace, and security, Ms. Atim Caroline Ogwang, Director of the South Sudan Women with Disabilities Network, made history by becoming the first deaf person to ever brief the UN Security Council. Ms. Ogwang delivered a statement on behalf of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, following an invitation by Vietnam, which holds the presidency of the UN Security Council in April. Other briefers included Ms. Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, who presented findings of this year’s report on sexual violence in conflict.

In her briefing, Ms. Ogwang noted: “Responses to gender-based violence often neglect the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities and very limited data is systematically collected about our experiences, including by the UN.”

In light of the UN Security Council meeting, Sarah Costa, executive director of the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC), issued the following statement:

“We warmly congratulate Ms. Atim Caroline Ogwang on making history by becoming the first deaf person to ever brief the UN Security Council and commend her for her powerful briefing calling for inclusive and sustainable peace in South Sudan.

“Today’s briefing by Ms. Ogwang brought much-needed attention to the specific situation of women and girls with disabilities in conflict and post-conflict settings. She and her organization, the South Sudan Women with Disabilities Network, do critical work in supporting survivors and advocating for the equal rights of women and girls with disabilities. We join her call for accountability for gender-based violence; comprehensive and accessible services, including sexual and reproductive health care; and ensuring the meaningful participation of women and girls with disabilities in peace negotiations.

“In 2013, we were deeply honored when Ms. Ogwang accepted WRC’s Voices of Courage award. Her words in her acceptance speech still ring true today: ‘Now that my country, South Sudan, is independent, we are free at last. What is missing is the belief in the abilities of persons with disabilities. We must stand up for our rights. The next generation of women and girls needs to be seen first as people and second as persons with disabilities.’”

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