New Special Protection Unit in Maridi boosts confidence in reporting violence against women
WESTERN EQUATORIA - A newly established Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Maridi a county in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state, has had a tangible impact on increasing women’s protection. This confidential space for community members to report violence against women has led to a noticeable reduction in incidents over the past year. “After the Special Protection Unit was fully functioning, we have seen a distinct increase in reports related to…
In Bor, survivors of sexual violence and abduction finally find safety, support
JONGLEI – “I don’t want to return home. It will only remind me of what we have been through.” Nyakim’s * tragedy began with her husband being killed and her home being burnt down when armed actors attacked her village in northern Jonglei last month. But it didn’t stop there: she and her seven children were abducted by the perpetrators, alongside 22 other women and children. What followed can only be described as a seemingly never-ending nightmare…
Over 13 tons of food items donated for displaced people in Tyre
As part of UNIFIL’s continued efforts to support communities affected by ongoing exchanges of fire in south Lebanon, the mission’s Italian peacekeepers made substantial food donations to internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Tyre last week. On 13 March, peacekeepers delivered more than 13 tons of packaged food items – in addition to essential medical kits, medicines and hygiene kits – to the Disaster Management Unit (DMU) of the Union of Tyre…
UN supported training aims to boost electoral readiness
WESTERN EQUATORIA - In Yambio, a message from a disability rights advocate captured the spirit of a new push to ensure every South Sudanese voice is heard in the country’s first elections, currently scheduled for December 2026. “As persons with disabilities, we must be included in planning for elections. It is our constitutional right,” said Moses Louis, Chairperson of the Association of People Living with Disabilities, Western Equatoria. As…
Young students debate South Sudan’s political future on International Women’s Day
JONGLEI – As the world marked International Women’s Day, female debaters in Bor stepped onto the stage to discuss some of the most pressing political questions facing South Sudan: Can women lead better than men? Is federalism better than centralism? And is the country ready for elections? The discussion, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) brought together young women from six secondary schools to discuss governance…
Turning struggle into strength – Wau Women’s Union creates networks of support, empowerment
WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL - At the Women’s Union Centre in Wau, conversations often tell stories of survival. Women come from different organizations, each carrying the burden of daily responsibilities: finding ways to earn income, caring for children, and navigating an economy that has become increasingly harsh. For many, the once-dilapidated building is not where their work begins; it is where their experiences converge. The Women’s Union acts as…
Animal health workers learn practical skills for improved livestock management, with UNMISS support
JONGLEI – A five-day veterinary training concluded at Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor, bringing together students and community animal health workers. Supported by Indian military veterinarians from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) the programme aimed to improve livestock health in a region where cattle farming is an essential part of life. The course focused on hands-on experience in disease…
From forced marriage abolishment to child protection – customary law reform brings hope
SOUTH SUDAN – ‘Let children be children.’ This is the one of the messages that resonated most with participants during the many meetings preceding and informing the reform of customary law, also known as Naath law. Today, they are. At least by law. Updating this customary law was not easy. And it hadn’t been done since 1942. Following many failed attempts over past decades, in an inception workshop in Juba last October where paramount chiefs…
SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga Concludes Visit to Tanzania
UN Special Representative concluded a visit to Tanzania, reaffirming support for dialogue, unity, peace, and inclusive national development.
Ituri: more than two hundred women mobilized in Drodro and Rho to strengthen their role in protecting communities
MONUSCO organized two awareness-raising days at the displacement sites in Djangi and Rho.
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL ROSEMARY A. DICARLO’S REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON UKRAINE New York, 6 FEBRUARY 2024 Madam President, On Saturday, 3 February, 28 people, including a child, were reportedly killed, and dozens…
AL KHOMS – 6 February – A group of young women from across Libya joined Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon, on a visit to Leptis Magna to…
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of UNMIK Caroline Ziadeh has been following with serious concern recent developments that impact the economic and social rights of Kosovo Serbs and other non…
In Bentiu, South Sudan, communities are still bearing the brunt of catastrophic floods. However, thanks to an extraordinary response to climate shocks by UNMISS peacekeepers from Pakistan, people have hopes of better days…
Head of Mission and Chief of Staff of UNTSO, MG Patrick Gauchat, conducted Regional Liaison Visits. He visited Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. As part of the UNTSO mandate, MG Gauchat engaged with officials of the…
At HQ UNTSO, both civilian and military staff received training on medical procedures to stay up-to-date on their skills. This way, trained staff can respond in any case of emergency. Skills included CPR, use of AED and…
UNITY STATE - In the midst of 5,400 square kilometres of greyish, brown water and decaying trees, stands an ‘island.’ It’s tiny in comparison to the vast body of water that surrounds it – perhaps a little over three square…
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary A. DiCarlo Briefing to the Security Council on the Threats to International Peace and Security New York, 5 February 2024 Thank you, Madam President. As we are all too aware, the tensions that…
While bees take their winter break, the beekeepers in Kosovo are far from idle. Rafeta Halilaj, a Kosovo-Bosniak woman, is one of 20 beneficiaries engaged with Beekeepers Association Melissa (Albanian: Shoqata Bletare Melissa…
While bees take their winter break, the beekeepers in Kosovo are far from idle. Rafeta Halilaj, a Kosovo-Bosniak woman, is one of 20 beneficiaries engaged with Beekeepers Association Melissa (Albanian: Shoqata Bletare Melissa…
Thank you, Madam President. As we are all too aware, the tensions that have engulfed multiple countries in the Middle East continue to rise. Tragically, this comes as no surprise. The Secretary-General has repeatedly warned…
Abyei, 05 February 2024 – The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) confirms that a fresh outbreak of attacks in the southern part of Abyei over the weekend resulted in a number of civilian deaths and…