UNITY - In 2011, South Sudan won its hard-fought independence from its northern neighbour, Sudan, but those hope-filled times were soon a distant memory as the world’s newest nation became embroiled in bloody, brutal civil wars.
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Civic education helmed by the UN family aims to galvanize public participation in key political processes in South Sudan, including the drafting of this young country's permanent constitution and upcoming elections. A joint two-day consultation led by UNMISS, UNHCR, UN Women and UNDP sought to hear from internally displaced persons, returnees, women, youth and persons with disabilities in Bentiu. Photo by Roseline Nzelle Nkwelle/UNMISS

March 8 is annually marked as International Women’s Day across the globe. In Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, UNMISS celebrated this Day with traditional dances, discussions on equal rights for women and an exhibition of handicrafts. Photo by Emmanuel Kele/UNMISS

Lots of rejoicing took place when UNMISS organized festive event under the theme The Revitalized Peace Agreement – Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward. Photos: James Sokiri/UNMISS

At a recent free veterinary camp in Malakal, Upper Nile, UNMISS peacekeepers from India treated more than 1500 animals for a variety of diseases and raised awareness on sustainable animal rearing practices among livestock owners. Photo by Samuel Adwok Deng/UNMISS

As the peace process in South Sudan begins to ramp up, those who fled the civil wars of the past decade are slowly returning to their original settlements. However, rebuilding lives irrevocably altered by violence isn't easy, as a visiting UNMISS patrol to Morobo, Central Equatoria, discovered. Photo by James Sokiri/UNMISS

On the margins of International Women's Day, dedicated UNMISS peacekeepers from Mongolia sensitized some 50 women and girls in Pariang, South Sudan, on health and hygiene.

At a two-day workshop facilitated by UNMISS in Northern Bahr El Ghazal for some 65 traditional leaders, spirited discussions revolved around the need for women's full participation in galvanizing the ongoing peace process in South Sudan as well as harnessing the expertise and influence of customary leaders to shape a brighter future for this young nation. Photo by Emmanuel Kele/UNMISS