Displaced learn to live together in Bentiu

3 Apr 2014

Displaced learn to live together in Bentiu

3 April 2014 - To improve relations between displaced people sheltering on its base in Bentiu, Unity State, UNMISS completed three workshops today on living in the camp.

The workshops, held from 1 to 3 April, aimed to equip civilians with skills to help them live in a new environment and better understand UNMISS’ work.

During the third workshop for youth, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Bashir Aligelle told participants their energy could be diverted in a right or wrong direction.

“We would like you to have skills to be good citizens, helping your communities and your new environment to help solve problems, rather than adding to them,” he said.

Many participants said they would continue peacebuilding work on the protection site.

“For me, to be a peacebuilder means that I need to talk to people and tell them to forgive each other and not to fight,” said Martha Riek. “I think anybody can be a peacebuilder in his or her community.”

Another participant, David Ruon, they had to overcome conflict and work with communities at UNMISS. “What I’ve also learnt was the protection and reporting of human rights. I didn’t know this part of UNMISS work and I was happy to hear where can I find people to whom I can report abuses and violations.”

The first two workshops, attended by community elders, included good leadership in its agenda.
“The most useful was what I’ve learnt about leadership,” said participant Gatmai Tut. “To be a leader is to serve the people … to look at the community interest and not take personal advantage of the position.”

Mr. Aligelle pointed out to participants they were now in the camp and had new neighbours. “You need to learn to live together and find a ways of solving communal problems in a harmonious way.”

Participant Lucia Obith said she learned that communities had a role to play in their own protection. “We can support UNMISS to better protect us if we exchange information. I think communication is very important, also when human rights officers come to talk to us.”

According to Fatma Deng Lual, the tribalism and nepotism of bad leaders had brought the displaced to the camp. “The knowledge about different types of conflicts can help us live peacefully.”

UNMISS in Bentiu works with communities at their protection sites and with civilians in Bentiu town to help them deal with the current situation, focusing attention on traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and the role of civil society.