17 February 2015 - A critical part of the UNMISS mandate was to protect civilians both inside and outside UN bases, the mission’s top official said during a visit to the Jonglei State capital Bor today.

“Our troops must ensure safety and security beyond the camps, out in the communities,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ellen Loej during a medal parade for Ethiopian peacekeepers in the state. “I am convinced that the Ethiopian contingent will be in the front line in this regard.”

oting that this was vital in showing UNMISS remained impartial and committed in its capacity to serve all people in need, Ms. Loej praised the battalion for working hard in difficult conditions.

The SRSG, who was traveling with UNMISS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Yohannes Tesfamariam and US Ambassador to South Sudan Charles Twining, pointed out that Ethiopia was one of largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations and the leading country in Africa.

“As you stand here today, you can be truly proud of your nation’s commitment to the course of peace,” said the SRSG. “Each and every one of you is part of this commitment and I commend you for it.”

Ms. Loej listed some battalion achievements, including patrols related to protection of civilians in and around Bor, as well as contributions to creating and maintaining peaceful environments for civilians both in UNMISS protection sites and in surrounding areas.

She said it was very important to the mission that the battalion’s patrols by foot and vehicles had reached out to communities and served to reassure them of safety.

The top UNMISS official called on government officials at various levels, including security and law enforcement agencies, to ease the work of mission personnel by assuring their freedom of movement.

Ms. Loej also noted that out of the 640 troops in the Ethiopian battalion, 25 are women, adding that each female soldier had a critical role to play.

“Females in uniform are important everywhere but it is especially important in a place like South Sudan, where protection of civilians is our most important task,” she said. “I am glad to see that these female officers are not hidden away in offices, making the famous Ethiopian coffee.”

Ms. Loej stressed the importance of the UN’s code of conduct and discipline and reminded peacekeepers of the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse.

“It is the duty of everyone here individually and collectively to safeguard the dignity of the people we are here to protect and support,” she said. “We are guests in this country and we must act with respect and humility throughout our service.”

The SRSG also met with UNMISS management and staff in the state and visited the Sri Lankan-run hospital at the mission’s base, where she commended medical personnel for treating 1,360 patients since the facility was inaugurated in June 2014.