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…
Governance
Speech of the SRSG | Exchange Meeting on the Implementation of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to have the opportunity to address a few words to you at the opening of this meeting, at such an important moment for the life of the country. The adoption of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections constitutes an important step in the current phase of the transition. I welcome the presence of representatives of political parties, whether signatories to the National Pact or not, as well…
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.
T his story was written by Lesley Myers, Editor for UN peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications team. Lesley is a political analyst and strategic planner with over 15 years’ experience in data-driven politics, development, and…
UNIFIL Indian peacekeepers supported the only medical facility catering to the population living in their area of responsibility in south-eastern Lebanon with essential medical supplies last week. Following a request from the…
WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL: Every year in South Sudan, seasonal cattle migration takes place during January to April—the dry season. In these months, animal herders from Warrap state begin moving large hordes of cattle towards…
UNIFIL Indian peacekeepers supported the only medical facility catering to the population living in their area of responsibility in south-eastern Lebanon with essential medical supplies last week. Following a request from the…
Youth | UNFPA launches Somali Youth Fellowship UNFPA introduced the Somali Youth (SoYo) Fellowship Programme, with the aim of equipping young Somali individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders in…
Girls and young women are at the forefront when South Sudan commemorates National Unity Day with a week full of sports and other togetherness-building activities in Juba. Photos: James Sokiri/UNMISS CENTRAL EQUATORIA – Born…
CENTRAL EQUATORIA – Born in 2016, South Sudan’s National Unity Day is still a child, and full of the boundless energy and enthusiasm to be expected from one. And yes; the Juba launch of the eighth edition of the day had all…
Amid a climate of growing uncertainty in Lebanon and the region, UN Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka discussed with Lebanese officials and religious figures the importance of safeguarding the country’s stability and the…
Abyei, 29 January 2024 - The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is concerned by continuing intercommunal clashes that resulted in the death of another United Nations peacekeeper from Pakistan on 28…
TRIPOLI, 28 January 2024 - As part of UNSMIL’s efforts to engage all stakeholders, including political actors, major institutions, elders, cultural components, women and youth, on the solution to Libya’s protracted crisis…
Mogadishu - Wrapping up his three-day solidarity visit to Somalia, UN Under Secretary-General Atul Khare highlighted the significant role played by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), noting that the future…
Abyei, 27 January 2024 - The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) strongly condemns a series of armed attacks that took place at 16:45hrs on 27 January 2024 in the Abyei Area, which resulted in civilian…