UNMISS supported taskforce empowers youths to embrace change and say no to drugs

BENTIU – At the sprawling camp where more than 100,000 displaced people have sought refuge, danger stalks them at every turn: poisonous snakes, armed criminals, political insecurity and violence, and the ever-present risk of extraordinary floods.

But over the last year, drug use and gang life among youth have fuelled an even larger wave of crime and lawlessness, prompting parents and the Community High Committee to beseech authorities and UNMISS to step in.

To combat this scourge, the Unity State Government’s Task Force on Combating Drug Abuse and Gang Violence, bringing together law enforcement, health, community and UNMISS representatives, has adopted a multipronged strategy.

This includes the first ever deployment of a court inside the camp, in coordination with the Community High Committee, following repeated community requests for stronger justice and rule of law mechanisms to address drug use, gang violence and sexual and gender-based violence, particularly affecting children and youth.

“Getting accountability was key and hence our push for a court in the IDP camp to try and prosecute drug traffickers and criminals, while at the same time engaging with youth through counselling and awareness programmes to lead them away from drugs and crimes,” says Natalie Mazur, a Rule of Law Officer with UNMISS.

Enforcing the law was one part. Convincing youth in the camp who feel they have no option but to join gangs amidst poverty, unemployment and lack of education was the harder part.

That’s why the taskforce is working closely with partners from the Vision Youth Group at the displacement camp, which is led by reformed gang members who are respected in the community.

At an awareness-raising meeting, more than 170 young people crammed into the Youth Centre to interact with youth leaders, psychosocial counsellors, Ministry of Health and National Police officials, and UNMISS, on the dangers of drug use.

Vision Youth Group Secretary, 25-year-old Majier Gieng, writs names on an attendance sheet, backslapping familiar faces and thanking everyone for showing up.

The meeting kicked off with a presentation on the harmful effects of opioid drugs, a major concern in the camp, and how they can impair lives.

But the speaker who got everyone's attention was Elizabeth Nyayien Gatwech Pur, a UNMISS officer born in Akobo. She told them of growing up in abject poverty in a refugee camp in Kenya but never losing sight of her goal.

“Education is non-negotiable if you want to change your life - particularly in South Sudan,” she said, inspiring them with her personal story of going from a refugee to a United Nations civilian peacekeeper in her own country.

Participants were invited to share their testimonies and concerns. One said that, since drugs came from pharmaceutical companies, the Ministry of Health should take a more proactive approach to checking border points and transport hubs from where they are imported and transported across the country.

“The meeting was an affirmation that drugs are bad for us, and yes, it is easy to get attracted to them – but what is the outcome? Your life will get worse than it already is, and that is why I always tell my friends and anyone who will listen,” says Buor Dol Guol, a 22-year-old participant.

Majier was happy about the attendance and interaction.

“This is a long process, and you cannot change anyone at once. Realization comes with time – and that is why we continue to engage with them constantly,” he says.

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By Robin Giri