27 August 2013 - Community intermarriage, forgiveness and equitable development could resolve the vicious of cycle of violence in Jonglei State, students said at a one-day panel discussion today in the capital of Bor.

Entitled "Road to Peace in Jonglei: the way forward to end the cycle of violence in the state", the discussion aimed to bring Jonglei students together to explore possible solutions to communal violence in the state.

The session was attended by over 100 participants, including senior state officials, traditional and religious leaders, intellectuals, civil society groups, students, prominent figures and media.

Panelists were drawn from the state's different ethnic groups, including Dinka, Anuak, Nuer and Jie, who focused mainly on sustainable peace and stability and stopping revenge attacks.

A Dinka panelist pointed out that high dowries, lack of inter-communal interaction, unemployment, and the practice of body marking had been major causes of conflict in the state for some time.

"Intermarriage among the tribes in Jonglei, avoiding body markings, forgiveness for any past mistakes, free and timely movement of people within themselves and among different tribes of Jonglei can cement confidence and trust among all communities," he said.

A panelist from the Nuer community said that lack of equitable development in all counties, illiteracy, abduction, arms in civilian hands and lack of road accessibility could also spark violence.

"Equitable development in all counties, education, and sports activities among the youth of the state ... massive and simultaneous disarmament and agriculture could bring peace and stability," he said.

Anuaks noted that building and expanding schools and health centers at the grass-roots level, increasing agricultural activities, community inter-marriage, deployment of security forces at the Boma (township) level, civic education and fighting impunity could bring sustainable peace and stability to the region.

A Jie panelist pointed out that peace could be achieved when communities of Jonglei considered themselves as a one nation in one country.

"It is we ourselves that caused all the conflicts and mess across the state," he said. "We need to be together, work together and live in peace and stability in order to achieve a bright and sustainable future."

During the session, UNMISS staff conducted presentations on the mission's mandate and role in maintaining peace and stability, including protection of civilians.

Protection of civilians was the government's primary responsibility, but UNMISS supported it through activities like capacity building, operational and logistical support and advice, they said.

Students from Bor Roya Academy recited poems urging participants to work for peace and unity, while artists from Jonglei Art and Music Association provided entertainment.

The discussion was organized by UNMISS in close collaboration with the state Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage and Jonglei State Peace Commission.