By Ayuen Garang Kur
BOR, South Sudan — In Jonglei State, a quiet but persistent battle is being fought against a formidable enemy: hate speech. This struggle is not just about hurtful words; it’s about the deep emotional scars they leave, particularly on marginalized people like those with disabilities. Yet, amid the pain, a wave of resilience is rising, fueled by education, advocacy, and powerful personal stories.
For Grace Kuei Khor, a mother of two with a physical disability in Bor County, the struggle began early. She faced discrimination and dehumanizing comments from childhood. She recalls a moment in primary school when a cousin told her mother, “Why do you waste your money on this lame girl? She won’t finish school; she’ll end up pregnant.” This comment, meant to dismiss her future, left her feeling “emotionally and mentally hurt.” What made it worse, she says, was the silence of the adults around her, who seemed to agree with the sentiment.
Despite the setbacks, Grace persevered with the support of her mother and uncle. Her life changed when she joined the We Are Able Consortium, where she learned about her rights and the importance of inclusion. Today, she is not only educated but also an outspoken advocate. “I urge the government, civil society, and communities to raise awareness about inclusion and end hate speech. Disability is not inability,” she states with confidence.
Philip Mabior Achiek, a Disability Inclusion Facilitator in Bor Town, has also endured dehumanizing insults. Before his current role, he was called names like “open grave” and constantly questioned about his abilities. “People used to ask if I could do anything at all,” he shares. “It made me furious because I know I’m even stronger than many without disabilities.” Instead of giving in to bitterness, Philip used the hate as fuel to work even harder. He now advocates for a simple but profound change: referring to people by their names, not their conditions. “We are still often referred to by our conditions—blind, deaf, lame—instead of by our names. That must change,” he urges, calling for stronger community education to prioritize dignity and respect.
A Collective Effort to Combat the “Disease” of Hate Speech
The fight against hate speech in Jonglei is a collective effort, led by activists and officials who recognize its danger.
Chol Makuei, the Deputy Civil Administrator for Makuach Payam, emphasizes the need for empathy and emotional intelligence. “One effective strategy is using empathetic questioning and values-based reframing,” he says. Makuei calls on citizens and authorities to speak out against hate speech in all public spaces and for local leaders to receive training on non-biased enforcement.
Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, warns that hate speech is a “disease” that spreads rapidly, creating stereotypes and hatred. He distinguishes hate speech from simple disagreement, defining it as an intentional act that “dehumanizes and harms.” Bol calls for legal reform, noting that the South Sudanese constitution and penal code are silent on the matter, and urges media to use radio programs and forums to promote peace.
Majak Kuany Alier, Secretary General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, offers a broader analysis, explaining that hate speech is rooted in “prejudice, ignorance, fear, and historical wounds.” He warns that it inflicts psychological violence, erodes trust, and escalates social division. Majak advocates for dialogue models like Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and calls on the media to combat its own role in amplifying hate by prioritizing ethical journalism and fact-checking.
Through stories like Grace’s and Philip’s, and with the collective efforts of community leaders, civil society, and the media, a new narrative is being written. The message from Jonglei is clear: silence is no longer an option. Calling out hate, fostering inclusion, and rewriting the story for people with disabilities are essential steps toward a more just, peaceful, and respectful South Sudan.
Editor’s Note: This story was reported with a grant from Journalists for Human Rights under the “Tackling Mis/Disinformation Project,” funded by the Peace and Stabilization Program of the Government of Canada.