9 April 2013 - Unity State youth today pledged to spread messages about living together peacefully to counterparts across South Sudan at the conclusion of a two-day forum in the capital Bentiu.

Some 40 youth, who were selected to represent each of the state’s nine counties, participated in the forum, organized by the Unity State Youth Union with support from UNMISS in the state.

The first activity of its kind since conflict broke out in the city on 19 December, the forum focused on youth’s role in conflict mitigation, fostering inter-communal dialogue, leadership, democracy and good governance. Other topics included the role of UNMISS and child rights.

State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Zacharia How Koryoam applauded the youth for coming up with the idea of the forum.

“It’s a good start. We need to make Bentiu a calm place (and) without youth nobody can do that,” said the minister, who also led a session on good governance. “People from other states and counties will hear about your initiative and follow your footsteps.”

Paulino Ran, a participant, said he was inspired by what he had learned about democracy and said he would advocate for rights of marginalized groups, such as street children.

“They (street children) are citizens and should have the right to go to school and live a good life,” he said. “This is one of the issues (for which) I’m going to advocate. One of them (could) become president or governor. If we neglect them it will mean we are losing something that is very important.”

Another participant, Malual Thor, said it was youth’s role to educate other young people across the country.

“(We should) leave divisions behind and work as one nation,” he said. “We don’t want to limit ourselves to Bentiu; we would like to go to the counties. We want to tell our brothers not to follow the politicians but us, youth.”

UNMISS State Coordinator Mary Cummins commended the youth for their initiative, despite difficulties they had been through during the crisis.

"These young people went through a lot of hardship in the recent months,” she said. “It is good to see that they have energy to come together, revitalize civil society organizations and discuss how they can support peace building and create a better future for everyone in the state.”

UNMISS plans to support the initiative in coming months through three more forums organized by the youth union.