16 March 2015 - Officials from the United Kingdom’s (UK) Department for International Development (DFID) today visited the protection site at the UNMISS base in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

Leading the delegation, DFID South Sudan Deputy Head Vicky Stanger, affirmed the commitment of the British government to improve the livelihood of people affected by the ongoing crisis in the country.

“We here today with our partners to look at the humanitarian efforts that have been undertaken in Malakal in terms of support to (protection sites) and also to visit Malakal town and Wau Shilluk to see the provisions that might be needed for the sustainability of people’s livelihoods in nearest future,” said Ms. Stanger.

The delegation toured the old and new protection sites at the base to assess the conditions of health as well as water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, waste management and schools set up by humanitarian partners.

The DFID officials visited Malakal Teaching Hospital, where the first phase of renovation is ongoing.

They also met with the internally displaced persons (IDPs) Peace and Security Council and discussed a range of issues including how to support their livelihoods.

The council members reiterated their commitment to work with all partners, including those from the UK, to support peace building within the protection site by settling disputes among the IDPs.

“We will continue encouraging peace process like the previous peace and reconciliation conference that was concluded successfully last month,” said council chairman Mathew Choul.

Women representatives repeated their called to parties to the conflict to stop war for the sake of the South Sudanese people.

“As women in this country we tired of war and instability. (What we) need is to see peace prevail,” said Achol Nyibong, a woman’s representative. “I wish leaders of the warring parties would listen to the calls of the vulnerable people who include children, elderly and women in this country.”

The DFID delegation also met with UNMISS state management, led by State Coordinator Deborah Schein, as well as representatives of different humanitarian agencies and government authorities.

In November 2014, DFID contributed £1.6 million for expansion of the UNMISS protection site in Malakal, where more than 21,000 displaced people are currently seeking shelter.