Hundreds of displaced young people living in a protection of civilians (PoC) site in Juba celebrated Universal Children’s Day today with activities organized by UN Police and humanitarian partners.

One of the participants in a football tournament to launch the Day was Nye Nyeil FC, the first girls’ football club in the PoC site. It was formed in October 2015 as the brainchild of Gai Kong, an internally displaced person in the camp (IDP).

The initiative was meant to enhance empowerment of the girl-child through sports.

“They’re willing to play football because in other parts of the world, girls are playing football,” said Mr. Kong, who is coaching the team. “When they qualify in this tournament, then we’ll form one national team to represent South Sudan internationally.”

The 15-year-old captain of the girls’ team, Medina Sunday, said football could consolidate peace and restore confidence among war-ravaged communities of South Sudan. “If people come and gather together you’ll know each other,” she said. “I want our parents to give us chance to play football because it is good for our health.”

Other activities for the Day included face painting, shows by the non-government group Clowns without Borders and songs led by the camp chairman.

The world commemorates Universal Children’s Day annually on 20 November to reaffirm governments’ commitments to protect children’s rights.

In his message on the Day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for increased focus on vulnerable children, whose liberties were being deprived in detention centres and by organized criminals.