8 March 2015 - Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the UNMISS base in the Upper Nile state capital Malakal recently received a donation from Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS), a programme funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

|According to VISTAS officials, the donation of 52 radios and 52 raincoats to the IDPs’ Peace and Security Council was part of efforts by the council’s partners to support and encourage members to work harder for unity and reconciliation among communities.

VISTAS works closely with the UNMISS Civil Affairs Section to ensure stability and promote peaceful co-existence among communities seeking shelter in the protection site.

Handing over the items, VISTAS acknowledged the significant role the council plays in representing displaced people’s concerns and mitigating conflict.

“We are here for viable support to transition and stability with in the camp for all community members within the protection of civilian site” said VISTAS regional programme manager Vincent Valdmans.

Community leaders thanked representatives of the VISTAS programme, which is implemented by AECOM International, for the donation and previous support like setting up Nile Radio which transmits within the protection site.

“We acknowledge your role in setting up the radio station which is meant for spreading the peace messages to our community here,” said Mathew Chuol, the Peace and Security Council chairman.

Thanking VISTAS and USAID for the donation, UNMISS State Coordinator Deborah Schein referred to the Peace and Security Council as an advisory body that assists her in managing the affairs of IDPs at the mission’s base.

“I am giving more recognition to what you are doing as a team who tackle many issues related to peace and security,” said Ms. Schein.