More than 18,000 peacekeepers serve with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to protect civilians, help facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, promote human rights, and build durable peace in the conflict-affected country.
The civilian, police and military personnel from at least 75 countries carry out many duties under the mandate provided by the United Nations Security Council. Their work falls under four main pillars.

Protection of Civilians:  While the Government of South Sudan is primarily responsible for protecting civilians, peacekeepers actively patrol in communities across the country to provide a protective presence and help prevent violence, particularly in high-risk areas. A particular focus is protection of women and children, preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence, and fostering a secure environment for the safe, voluntary and dignified return, relocation or integration of displaced people and refugees. The mission also uses its good offices to help prevent, mitigate and resolve intercommunal conflict by supporting community-led peace processes.

Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance: Peacekeepers help create the security conditions needed to enable the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid, such as food, water, and healthcare, to millions of people in need across the country.

Supporting the implementation of the revitalized agreement and the peace process: As an impartial partner, UNMISS supports the peace process, and the creation of conditions needed to fully implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement to help prevent political violence and address the root causes of conflict. The mission assists the parties to ensure the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women, civil society, youth and other marginalized groups in political, governance, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding efforts. As appropriate, the mission provides technical assistance and advice in support of electoral preparations. Technical assistance and capacity building is also provided to support the transitional government and non-governmental South Sudanese voices to strengthen, expand and reform the rule of law and justice sector.

Monitoring and investigating human rights: UNMISS monitors, investigates, verifies and reports on violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, including those that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. Incidents of hate speech and incitement to violence are also investigated. Technical support is provided to other mechanisms monitoring, investigating, prosecuting and reporting on violations and abuses.