Peacekeepers recognized for their service and sacrifice in South Sudan on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers

UNMISS International Day of UN Peacekeepers COVID-19  South Sudan Peacekeepers UN Peacekeeping Nicholas Haysom

More than 19,000 peacekeepers work hard to deter violence and protect civilians across South Sudan, helping the world's newest country transition from war to peace. Today, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, honoured them for their service and sacrifice, especially during the time of COVID-19 at a simple but meaningful ceremony at the mission's headquarters in Juba. Photo by Gregorio Cunha/UNMISS.

28 May 2021

Peacekeepers recognized for their service and sacrifice in South Sudan on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Francesca Mold

More than 19,000 peacekeepers work in remote and sometimes dangerous locations across South Sudan to help the country make the difficult transition from war to peace.

They work hard to deter violence and protect civilians through a nimble, robust, and proactive approach.

“We are rapidly deploying troops to conflict hotspots, setting up temporary bases and intensifying patrols to deter conflict,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS. “We are also doing everything we can to protect humanitarian workers and supplies and secure access to humanitarian services.”

The SRSG was speaking at a special event to recognize the important contribution of military and uniformed personnel on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Flags were lowered and wreaths were laid to honour 83 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since the inception of UNMISS, including 18 who have passed away in the last year.

“They have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace,” said Mr. Haysom. “We honour and remember them as well as their families and friends who have lost a loved one while serving under the UN flag”.

The theme of the event was Youth – Leading the Path to Peace. With more than 70 percent of South Sudanese aged under 30, their role as ambassadors for peace is vital.

“They are leaders of today, and of the future, so their participation in conflict prevention, reconciliation and the peace process is critical,” said Mr. Haysom. “If they are ignored by the process and marginal to its implementation, they will be the first to be disillusioned. But if they are implicated in it, they will be the first to defend it.”

South Sudan’s Minister for Youth and Sport paid tribute to UNMISS peacekeepers for supporting the world’s newest nation.

“It reminds us that we have people in the world who love South Sudan and why we are here as an independent country despite all the challenges we are facing,” said Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu.

He acknowledged the particular difficulties experienced by young people across the country and the need to engage them in the peace process.

“Redirecting them, rehabilitating them, reintegrating them back into their communities is a big challenge that needs all of us to carry out civic engagement and to give them an alternative for the betterment of their lives instead of this culture of violence and cattle-raiding.”

The Minister highlighted the recent launch of the constitution-making process as an opportunity for youth to take a leadership role in peace-making and supporting the country’s recovery.

“This process is a very important roadmap towards everlasting peace in South Sudan,” he said.