Almost 20,000 peacekeepers serve with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to protect civilians and build durable peace in the conflict-affected country.

The civilian, police and military personnel from 73 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: Peacekeepers actively patrol in communities across the country to deter violence and provide a protective presence with a particular focus on areas that displaced people are returning to in the wake of the peace deal. Peacekeepers are also responsible for maintaining safety and security for people living within UNMISS Protection of Civilians sites, deterring and preventing sexual and gender-based violence where possible, and supporting efforts to prevent, mitigate and resolve intercommunal conflict. Another key activity is to work in partnership with humanitarian agencies to support the safe, informed, voluntary and dignified return of displaced families from the POC sites to their homes.  

Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance: UNMISS peacekeepers work to ensure that humanitarian aid, such as food, clean water, shelter and healthcare, reaches millions of people in need across South Sudan. The aim is also to provide a safe and supportive environment so that displaced people can return to their homes and communities to live safely and with dignity.

Supporting the implementation of the revitalized agreement and the peace process: The Mission is committed to helping build durable peace in South Sudan. It does this by working as an impartial partner at the national and subnational level with political, religious, traditional and community leaders as well as with communities and individuals. UNMISS uses its “good offices” to support the implementation of the peace agreement through the provision of advice and technical assistance. It also supports the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Monitoring and Verification Mechanism in its work to monitor and report on violations of the ceasefire and assists the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission which is responsible for overseeing the mandate and tasks of the Transitional Government of National Unity and the implementation of the peace agreement.  

Monitoring and investigating human rights: The Mission 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. A particular focus is on abuses against children and women, including all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Incidents of hate speech and incitement to violence are also investigated. Technical support is provided to other local, regional and international organizations carrying out similar work in relation to human rights monitoring and reporting.