In order to understand the similarities between human rights and peace, the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division in partnership with the mission’s Human Rights Division, organized an awareness meeting with community leaders to revisit resolutions of previous peace accords and see how they relate to human rights. The engagement targeted representatives from the three communities of Rup, Kuei and Pakam who struck unsuccessful various peace agreements.

In his remarks, the Chief negotiator and Deputy Speaker, Mr. Chol Kuotwel Manhom, stressed that peace is the master key to upholding and promotion of human rights.

“Without peace, rights such as to life, property, education, medical services, dignity, name them, will get infringed. The master key to respect and promotion of human rights is peace. Therefore, peace itself is a human right,” Mr. Kuotwel said.

Meanwhile the Chairperson of Central Peace Committee for the communities of Rup, Kuei and Pakam Mr. Samuel Madol Akec said peace and human rights are interdependent.

“Peace and human rights are intertwined. Human rights are respected only when there is peace. Without peace, people are killed, property looted, schools and health facilities closed, no freedom of movement, justice is replace by injustice etc, Mr. Madol emphasized.

The meeting was attended by over fifty participants representing chiefs, women, youth and intellectuals from numerous conflicting sections in the State.