20 October 2014 - Aiming to lay the foundation for early recovery by creating sustainable livelihoods, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) today launched a series of activities at a protection of civilians site inside the UN House compound in Juba.

The integrated crisis prevention and recovery programme was developed as a response to the crisis which started in South Sudan in December 2013, said UNDP Country Director Balázs Horváth.

“It aims to enhance national capacities for early recovery, peace building and reconciliation,” he said. “(It) is a pilot programme. Our intention is to replicate what we do well and equally learn from challenges we encounter.”
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the protection of civilians site displayed some of the skills they have learned from the livelihoods pillar.

“We are working with (non-governmental organization) Nile Hope to strengthen the competencies of … 95 women and 25 men in catering, hairdressing and tailoring,” said Mr. Horváth. “What you see exhibited is part of this work. Some are already earning an income by providing services to the people in the protection site.”

Representatives of the IDPs appreciated UNDP and its partner organizations for the various skills they acquired, noting that they will be useful even after the end of the conflict.

According to Mr. Horváth, UNDP is also working with the International Rescue Committee to support coordination and information-sharing across camp leadership structures.

“In partnership with the UN Police (UNPOL), we trained 46 members of the community watch groups to undertake policing and deal with cases of sexual and gender-based violence,” he added.

“As part of this launch, UNPOL will exhibit training activities implemented in partnership with women in the community,” he said, referring to a programme in which UNPOL advisors taught women in the protection site to make handicrafts for sale.

Mr. Horváth noted that continued partnership among UNDP, UNMISS, UNPOL and non-governmental organizations, would “contribute to early recovery and sustainable development in a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.”.

Klem Ryan, head of operations in the UNMISS Relief, Reintegration and Protection Section, reiterated that such programmes signal a very important path for the country.

“This programme is key for maintaining positive engagement with people,” he said. “We need to keep focused on a positive future.”