9 June 2014 - Offering civilians a more spacious living area with better facilities, UNMISS’ chief official inaugurated a new protection site today at its base in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

Relieving congestion in the existing Malakal protection of civilians (PoC) site, the new facility has an area of 100,000 square metres and can accommodate between 8,000 and 9,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Of the estimated 19,000 civilians currently living at the mission, slightly over 3,100 had already moved to the new site as of last Saturday, 7 June. The SRSG hailed its opening as an excellent example of cooperation between UNMISS and its humanitarian partners.

“As long as people feel afraid, they can know they have our protection,” said the SRSG during a ceremony to open the new site. “That commitment remains. UNMISS has received a new mandate from the UN Security Council where protection of civilians is not only important, it’s a top priority.”

UNMISS threw open its gates to all unarmed civilians facing imminent threat of physical violence when the South Sudan crisis erupted in Juba on 15 December 2013. Over 93,000 civilians are currently living in 10 of the mission’s compounds nationwide.

Upper State Coordinator Deborah Schein acknowledged the bold decision Ms. Johnson had made in offering its bases to people seeking protection from violence.

“It is under her guidance and direction we opened the UNMISS gates in Malakal and saved 10s of thousands of lives,” Ms. Shein said. “It is her strength of character and love for the people of South Sudan that … allowed us to tell people to come and sleep in our warehouses.”

IDP representative Mathew Chol encouraged displaced people to live peacefully within the UN camp.

“I am urging my fellow citizens who came here for protection to live in peace and harmony by letting go of previous experiences and focusing on the nation’s future as one tribe in this land,” said Mr. Chol, who also serves as chairperson for peace and security in the POCs.

Visiting Malakal as part of a tour around South Sudan before departing UNMISS in July, Ms. Johnson also met with Acting Governor Awer Dua Agany, who thanked the UN for its protection.

“It is our obligation to thank the world body for what you have done by protecting our vulnerable people during difficult times like this in our history as nation,” Mr. Agany said.

The day was also marked by traditional dances from Upper Nile communities and drama presented by youth within the POCs.