The community of Bentiu is being urged to embrace and promote peace, unity and love as they gather together to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

Many people living in the Unity region of South Sudan are suffering from a lack of access to adequate food, water and shelter after having fled the violent conflict that has gripped the country since civil war erupted in 2013. More than 110,000 people are currently living at the UN Protection of Civilians (POC) site in Bentiu where they receive assistance from humanitarian agencies.

The International Day of Peace is observed on 21 September every year to promote and strengthen the ideals of peace around the world.

At a peace day event in Bentiu, jointly sponsored by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and a local non-governmental organization, Women’s Vision, the community took part in a peace procession and watched performances by drama groups.

The key message was about rejecting violence and embracing peace.

“This day should be a peaceful day for every member of the community. Every family should enjoy peace,” said Acting UNMISS Head of Field Office in Bentiu, Francis Kwaku. “Reach out to your neighbours, to the next tukul to you, and please let us say, today is a peace day for everybody. Peace is paramount for the people of South Sudan.”

The community representative for the Bentiu POC, Doar Riek, said the work carried out by UN peacekeepers to protect civilians and build durable peace across South Sudan was appreciated.

“I would like to thank UNMISS for providing protection to us, and we, as the community, we can appreciate UNMISS for that. We know that the UN is working for peace all over the world and let us hope that they will bring peace to South Sudan,” he said. “We must work together to find peace.”