Conflict-affected county learns UNMISS’ new role

21 Oct 2014

Conflict-affected county learns UNMISS’ new role

20 October 2014 - Civil society members, women and youth in a conflict-affected area of Unity State today learned about peacebuilding and what UNMISS is now doing in South Sudan.

Addressing the one-day UNMISS training, Leer County Civil Society Alliance Secretary General John Rel Bath praised the mission for protecting civilians across the country and encouraged it to reach all communities in danger.

Another participant, Mary Nyaguoli Kueth, called on UNMISS to protect civilians in rural as well as urban areas.

“This year when the conflict erupted in South Sudan many civilians in rural areas were killed,” she said. “Women were raped and killed. We are calling on UNMISS to continue monitoring human right violations committed by the warring parties in South Sudan.”

Ms. Kueth also stressed the need for humanitarian agencies to reach the most affected populations in South Sudan, calling on UNMISS to fully protect their workers as stipulated in the mission mandate.

After the training, Unity civil society would help communities understand the UN’s role in the country, Mr. Bath said.