UNMISS ended a week of commemorating the International Day of Peace with a few activities.  Events included a free mobile clinic conducted by the UNMISS Rwanbatt medical team for the community living in the area near its compound.  The eldest beneficiary was an 83 years old lady and the youngest was a 13 years old. On Friday evening the final event was Sports for Peace volleyball competition between an UNMISS team and Torit community volleyball players.  The match ended two to one in favor of the mission. A trophy was awarded to Torit Community Volleyball team for overall point’s average in the three rounds match.

The State Director of Sports, Simon Barnaba thanked the mission for organizing the tournament to encourage people to think about peace.

“As Director of Sports, I’m very grateful and thankful to UNMISS for organizing this Peace volleyball competition supporting the Ministry of Youth and Sports in maintaining peace, through this, our youth  will better understand and encourage their friends and families that peace is the only way forward for all of us. ”, Barnaba explained. “I request UNMISS to continue with this kind of cooperation to bring youths together for sports “, Barnaba added.

“Our Rwanbatt troops are providing protection so UNMISS can implement its commitment to helping the people of South Sudan in delivering on its mandate, and also as part of their civil military outreach activities to commemorate the International Day of Peace during the week”, said Ms. Mary Cummins, UNMISS Head of Field Office for Eastern Equatoria region.

 “Sports help to bring people together and promote ideals of peace, non-violence, tolerance and justice for all South Sudanese”, said Ms. Cummins at the event attended by more than 700.

During the week UNMISS Torit in collaboration with the State Peace Commission held a special Peace Dialogue which brought together representatives from Government, an Inter Church Committee, Civil Society, Chiefs and youth representatives to explore the triggers causing violence and seek a way forward supported by all communities.