UN hailed in South Sudanese states

27 Oct 2014

UN hailed in South Sudanese states

24 October 2014 - UN Day was marked across South Sudan’s states today by colourful celebrations featuring cultural dances, drawing competitions, school donations, sporting activities and speeches.

During a ceremony in Kuajok, Warrap State, Acting Governor Akec Tong Aleu praised UNMISS, stating that cordial relations with the mission were a sign of appreciation for its presence and contribution.

He urged the mission to continue its support by sharing early warning system information with state authorities. “If you coordinate and share information of potential crises with us, it will help the government save lives and property.”

Other Warrap officials hailed the mission for living up to its mandate during an UNMISS leadership presentation of the mission’s activities in the state.

Similar sentiments were expressed at an event in Torit, Eastern Equatoria, attended by UN staff and government representatives. Speaking on behalf of the governor, Youth Minister Mark Akio said people of the state were proud to have the UN there.

“We appreciate you and the governments of member states that continue to contribute troops to take part in the peacekeeping operation in South Sudan,” he said.

On 23 October, UNMISS and UN agency staff traveled to Katire, Eastern Equatoria, to hold community outreach events on human rights, gender-based violence and hygiene.

During the activity, Katire women’s leader Santina Mama attributed rising cases of domestic violence to excessive consumption of alcohol by men in the community. “When they get drunk, they start beating their wives,” she said.

“There were cases of domestic violence against women which resulted in suicide because the women could not bear the abuse anymore,” Ms. Mama added. “And there are other women who accept violence committed by partners as something normal.”

The World Food Programme, UNICEF, the UN Refugee Agency and UNMISS also donated drinking buckets, soap, drinking cups, seeds and farming equipment and other items to Katire Primary School.

The Day was celebrated in Malakal, Upper Nile State, with cultural shows performed by South Sudanese tribes as well as Bangladeshi, Rwandese and Ethiopian peacekeepers. UNMISS also held a “Tug of Peace” competition between UN staff and displaced women.

Committee for Peace and Security Chairperson Mathew Chol Jock thanked the UN family for providing security and standing at the side of displaced people during the crisis.

Upper Nile State Coordinator Deborah Shein encouraged the displaced to peacefully co-exist inside the camp. “I need you to live in peace and harmony among yourselves, in the way you presented your cultures through dancing today.”

In Wau, Western Bahr El-Ghazal, Governor Brigadier General Rizik Zecharia said his government would continue supporting UNMISS and UN Agencies so they could achieve their goals in the country.

The event attracted UN military deployed in the state, students from four schools, members of the South Sudanese army, the police band, and government officials.

Activities included a procession from Peace Square to Wau Stadium and a campaign on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which focused on awareness raising dramas and poems in schools.

During celebrations of the Day in Rumbek, Lakes, at the town’s secondary school, UNMISS handed over a project it had completed to fence the facility.

UNMISS and other agencies also donated books, notebooks, pens and sports equipment to the school. The UN Population Fund taught 50 students about reproductive health, while UN Police discussed community policing and a safer society with others.

The Day closed in Rumbeck with a friendly football and volleyball match between UN and school teams.

The Day was marked in Bor, Jonglei, in the UNMISS Protection of Civilians site. Following mission and displaced persons’ speeches, the crowd was entertained by Sri Lankan, Indian, Ethiopian and South Sudanese dancers as well as South Korean music.

As part of celebrations, Sri Lankan peacekeepers cleaned and fumigated Bor Hospital and trained its staff.