19 August 2014 - Media in South Sudan had a vital role to play in bringing peace back to the country, the Acting UNMISS State Coordinator said in the Warrap State capital Kuajok recently.

Leda Liman was speaking during an awareness-raising forum organized by UNMISS for media practitioners from independent and state institutions as well as public relations officers from civil society organizations in the state.

More than 45 media practitioners attended the forum, which focused on the role of their profession in peacebuilding, conflict resolution and promoting human rights as well the task of UNMISS.

Ms. Limann noted that the media is called the “Fourth Estate”, in part because of its important role as a main educator of people.

“Without the media, (a) country is doomed,” she said. “It is the media that (keep) politicians on their toes … (and) inform ordinary people on what their rights are. If we are going to achieve peace, then it lies in your hands (to play your role).”

The Acting State Coordinator urged media practitioners to uphold the virtue of peace and preach unity across South Sudan.

“The peace of the country lies in your hands,” she said, as she called on participants to support ongoing peace talks in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

Muordet Mayol, Acting Director General in the State Ministry of Information and Communications, lauded the role of the mission in supporting local media.

“The topics discussed here today covered areas of weaknesses of our practicing journalists both at the state radio and private institutions,” he said. “With this training, please work for peace and unity of this country.”

Noting that journalists in the state lack basic training, Mr. Mayol requested UNMISS to also organize other workshops to help build their capacity.