24 September 2014 - Internally displaced persons (IDPs) at an UNMISS protection site in Juba are using polythene bags to make handicrafts and earn their livings, thanks to an initiative of UN Police (UNPOL).

During a recent visit to the Protection of Civilians UN House, UN Development Programme (UNDP) official Biplove Choundry viewed the achievement of these IDP women, who had fled violence to find shelter in the camp.

Mr. Choundry, who serves as the UNDP Human Development and Inclusive Growth Unit team leader was pleased with the commitment and enthusiasm of the women and children in learning these skills from women UNPOL officers.

He promised to organize an exhibition on 29 September for the IDPs to showcase their products, which would launch them as entrepreneurs.

“I am humbled by the initiative of UN Police for starting something from nothing,” he said. “It looks small but this is very big. We are going to find out the way of helping in the livelihoods of these women.”

Mr. Choundry was accompanied by senior officials from UNPOL and colleagues from UNDP South Sudan.

Minda Aucone, UNPOL State Advisor Central Equatoria, said the initiative came as a result of UNMISS’ new mandate to protect civilians.

In protecting civilians, UNPOL officers were teaching IDPs crocheting so they could earn their livings. They were also informally passing on knowledge of gender-based violence and community policing to build their confidence and bridge the gap between IDPs and UN Police.

Handicraft items the IDP women are making include Matts, tablecloths and handbags.