The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Civil Affairs conducted a two-day community-based conflict management workshop in Pibor on 30-31 March. The Civil Affairs section was joined by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) team to deliver mine awareness education.

The workshop was held in the area adjacent to UNMISS Pibor Team Site where civilians had sought refuge following recent hostilities. Some 28 people participated, of which 18 women, some with little children.

Debora Schein, the Head of UNMISS Field Office in Bor, Jonglei said the workshop was an important activity that UNMISS undertook in Pibor.

“Mine awareness is a very important activity. The civilian population needs to understand the dangers of Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) and mines, not just in Pibor but anywhere where there has been a conflict across the country,” she said.

Schein also urged the local population in Jonglei to report to UNMAS or UNMISS if they see any UXOs.

“People should not touch that object, it’s for their own safety and protection and UNMISS is very glad to be supporting such activities,” she added.

She appealed to the people of Jonglei to understand the dangers and to refrain themselves from entering any areas that have any warning signs that maybe UXOs.

This workshop has been held ahead of the International Mine Awareness Day, which will take place on 4 April 2016 and conducted by UNMISS as a part of the awareness strategy to enable civil population to protect themselves from mines.