UPPER NILE – More than a thousand Malakal residents gathered to celebrate Human Rights Day, which marks the end of the annual and global 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.

Under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, the crowd was encouraged to ponder the importance of the 76-year-old, yet evergreen Universal Declaration of Human Rights, while also enjoying vibrant music, dynamic dance performances and pieces of drama ranging from the comedic to the poignant, with several managing to be both at the same time.

Comedian Lunia James set the tone with her straightforward message, targeting state authorities and human rights organizations in particular.

“As young people in this country, we demand our rights to education to be fulfilled, the practice of child marriages to end, and girls and boys never ever to be recruited by armed forces again. We must never accept any form of child abuse.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which organized the event in Malakal, has consistently played its part in protecting human rights and strengthening the rule of law in Upper Nile State and elsewhere, not least by means of awareness-raising and capacity building of relevant stakeholders. In fact, documenting and reporting violations of humanity’s universal rights is one of the pillars of the peacekeeping mission’s mandate in the world’s youngest nation.

“Earlier this year, UNMISS funded the restoration of our office and equipped it with solar energy. That way, we can do our job more efficiently,” said Peter Ngwkjo, Human Rights Commissioner in Malakal.

During the 2024 edition of the 16 Days of Activism, peacekeepers in Upper Nile State have engaged with communities in several areas, including Malakal, Kodok and Renk. Target audiences have included children, youth, women leaders, internally displaced persons, law enforcement officers and persons with disabilities.

“Protecting human rights is vital for our country to grow. By respecting them, all children can go to school and marginalized and vulnerable populations will enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else,” said Elizabeth Ayokair, herself a leader of the Association of People Living with Disabilities in Malakal.