12 April 2013 -- The attack on an UNMISS convoy in Jonglei State that killed 12 peacekeepers and civilians earlier this week was a sobering reminder of the hidden hurdles and dangers facing UNMISS staff, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) Hilde F. Johnson said in Juba today.

Speaking at a memorial ceremony held at the UNMISS compound in honor of two UNMISS national staff who died on 9 April, Ms. Johnson condemned the "grievous attack" the likes of which had never before occurred in South Sudan even at a time of civil war.

The SRSG paid tribute to Peter Kiko, a heavy duty mechanic from Eastern Equatoria State, and Yuhana Deng, a driver from Jonglei State, as South Sudanese who "died in their country working with UNMISS for their country."

The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Field Support Anthony Banbury reminded a gathering of UNMISS staff members about the invaluable role played by national staff members in UN peacekeeping missions.

"It reminds us of how grateful we should be for the work of national staff in trying situations," said Mr. Banbury, who arrived in Juba today and will travel to the Jonglei State capital of Bor on Saturday. "It is on the shoulders of people like Peter and Yuhana that a mission rests. They know both the society and the UN and are able to advise international staff."

Mr. Banbury said the foremost priority of the UN Secretary-General was the safety and security of staff members in all missions, adding that Ms. Johnson has been assured that all possible measures would be taken to achieve that goal for UNMISS employees.

Representing the South Sudanese government, Ambassador Michael Nyang Jook of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated President Salva Kiir Mayardit's condemnation of the attack and said the government was committed to ensuring the safety of all UNMISS staff.

Ambassador Jook also spoke at the ceremony as an uncle of Mr. Deng , who is survived by his wife and three children. Peter Kiko was represented by his wife, two of his four young children and his brother Delfino Abbas Alex.

"I personally, my brothers and the family of Peter Kiko are broken," said Mr. Alex. "We pray for his soul and the souls of his colleagues who have left us."

Both of the bereaved families received UN flags from Mr. Banbury and SRSG Johnson.

Ms. Johnson described the departed colleagues as individuals who espoused the ideals of the UN which had guided the organization throughout its existence and "will carry us through this tragedy."

Noting the visit of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to Juba today, she voiced the hope that it might herald a new chapter in relations between Sudan and South Sudan that "can provide better opportunities for the children of tomorrow, indeed for the children of Peter and Yuhana."