10 December 2014 - South Sudanese citizens across the country today commemorated International Human Rights Day with speeches, debates, traditional dancing and other activities under the theme, “Human Rights 365”.

The theme requests all people to respect human rights of others during each of the “365” days in a year.

In the Unity State capital Bentiu, women participated in an event organized by UNMISS to commemorate the day.

Unity State Minster of Gender and Social Development Nyachieng Bei Tuad noted that women were most affected by rights violations, not only during the current crisis, but when the situation was normal.

“Every girl and boy has the right to education,” said UNMISS State Coordinator Mary Cummins, as she addressed the women. “We should give children a pen, not a gun.”

A similar event was organized by UNMISS and UN agencies for children attending primary schools in the protection site at the mission’s Bentiu base.

UNMISS Human Rights Officer Suryabamsha Kandel noted that children were among the most vulnerable to violations of their rights, especially during conflict, although they were considered “the pillars of our nations”.

“We want you children to take part in your full protection, assuming your rights and responsibilities,” said UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Sylvester Morlue. “We need to work with you, your parents and other community members to ensure that you are protected from all forms of abuse, exploitation and neglect.”

In the Eastern Equatoria State capital Torit, UNMISS held a one-day debate for more than 50 members of civil society organizations.

Participants were divided into two groups and debated the relevance and effectiveness of human rights in the state.

UNMISS State Coordinator Hiroko Hirahara said the debate provided a forum for participants to discuss issues and learn more about human rights, which she said were part of daily life.

In Wau, students, local community members and UNMISS staff took part in an event held at the University of Western Bahr El-Ghazal State.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Wassara, expressed the university’s readiness to work closely with UNMISS in promoting and protecting human rights.

Similar sensitization activities, aimed creating awareness, were held in other schools in the state.