1 December 2014 - Delayed by inter-communal violence in the UNMISS protection site in Malakal, the mission and partners today launched the 16 Days Activism against Gender-based violence (GBV) campaign in the Upper Nile state capital.

The activity (normally launched on 25 November) took place under the theme “No for war and violence against women, let us unite and make peace at home and in the community”.

During the event, state Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Maria Konjwok Kawang urged people to avoid revenge and live in peace with each other.

“My brothers and sisters, it is up to us,” she said. “If we continue to (commit) revenge we are not going anywhere. We will finish and the world will laugh at us.”

Stressing that GBV was against human rights, UNMISS State Coordinator Hastings Amurani noted that raising awareness about it was part of the UNMISS mandate on protecting civilians.

“GBV is a global phenomenon (that) occurs at a time of war or peace,” he said. “GBV against the women and girls is not normal.”

Elizabeth Gwang, representing the International Medical Corps, said the campaign meant to emphasize prevention of violence against women and girls.

“It is also aimed at giving an opportunity to women and girls to speak on how the world is treating them,” Ms. Gwang said. “During this campaign both boys and girls will learn about causes of GBV and its consequences.”

Also during the event, displaced persons from different ethnic groups preformed traditional dances and a drama on the causes and consequences of GBV.