[Near Verbatim]
News
![unmiss south sudan nicholas haysom press conference politics civil society elections ballot box constitution renk sudan radio miraya un peacekeepers](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/20230720_srsg_press_conference_016.jpg?itok=puV9W1CY)
Today, Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN Peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, briefed the press on the current political situation in the country, including the urgent need by all stakeholders to galvanize political will and achieve peace benchmarks, notably the holding of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, without further delays. Photo by Gregorio Cunha/UNMISS
![unmiss protection of civilians bentiu south sudan mongolia malaria united nations un peacekeeping peacekeepers](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/potential_main_image_2.jpg?itok=LymujDll)
UNMISS peacekeepers often go beyond the UN Peacekeeping mission's mandate to support local communities. Yesterday, medical peacekeepers from Mongolia held free malaria testing for patients at the Bentiu Hospital, giving hope and medications for numerous people who were diagnosed as having this common but dangerous disease, given the ongoing rainy season in South Sudan. Photo by Peter Bateman/UNMISS
![Peace South Sudan UNMISS UN peacekeeping peacekeepers development elections constitution capacity building discussion Quick impact projects school tambura western Equatoria](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/offical_opening_of_nanzanga_primary_school.jpg?itok=AoDKDU43)
Two new facilities—a primary school and a health center—have brought joy to communities in a remote village in Western Equatoria. Photo by Phillip Mbugo/UNMISS
![Peace South Sudan UNMISS UN peacekeeping peacekeepers elections constitution Force Commander Forces Troops Battalion yambio western equatoria workshop capacity building](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/unmiss_reminds_organized_forces_and_local_communities_on_the_core_principles_of_the_protection_of_civilians_across_western_equatoria_6.jpg?itok=7lrggGpr)
UNMISS recently organized three workshops on protection of civilians for local authorities, organized forces, and traditional leaders in Ezo, Mvolo and Ibba counties of Western Equatoria. Photo by Denis Louro Oliver/UNMISS.
![unmiss south sudan eastern equatoria peace conflict attacks constitution elections united nations peacekeeping](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/peace_begins_with_me_july_2023_6.jpg?itok=tDXN6f5k)
An UNMISS peace campaign in Nimule fosters social cohesion and aims to encourage voluntary returns as South Sudan races to complete remaining peace benchmarks, including the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. Photo by Moses Yakudu/UNMISS
![UNMISS sudan south sudan united nations rapid support forces fighting violence returns](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/2c2a3440.jpg?itok=NEUColvo)
A visiting UNMISS team meets returnees fleeing violence in neighbouring Sudan who are currently located in a transit site in Warrap. Photo by Zejin Yin/UNMISS