21 January 2015 - Reconciliation was the only way forward in efforts to end ongoing conflict in South Sudan, women and youth residents of Wau Shilluk said today during a village debate in the locality in Malakal County, Upper Nile State.

“The future of this country depends on its people,” said Natelina Francis Yor, a participant at the debate, which UNMISS officials organized as part of continued activities to raise awareness of the mission’s mandate.

“We have to reconcile and move forward,” said Ms. Yor. “We also urge the two parties that started this problem to put aside their differences and focus on the future of this young nation.”

Some 47 women and youth, who attended that debate which focused on protection of civilians and human rights, applauded UNMISS for its dedication in protecting civilians.

Noting that civilians still feel threatened by the ongoing conflict, participants called upon the government to live to its primary responsibility to protect civilians from the continued atrocities.

“Many people have died and are still dying in this conflict,” said Nelson Obouk, another participant. “We call upon the government to live to its responsibility of protecting us.”

The women and youth also stressed that given the circumstances in which many South Sudanese were living, it was hard to believe that human rights exists.

“We have not seen any human rights activists here since the crisis started (yet) we have a lot of issues to report,” said Monica Obour. “We have been denied (our rights) to live in peace and harmony, access to clean water, food, health facilities and our children do not have schools. Are these not the rights we are supposed to enjoy?”

Ms. Obour noted that women and children were most affected by the conflict.

“We are tired and need to put this behind and build a better future for our children and our nation,” she said.