Latest news with #UNMISS
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
South Sudan: Free medical care by Indian peacekeepers gives hope to over 300 displaced people
As security concerns continue in parts of Upper Nile state, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is making every effort to protect civilians and boost community confidence. As an example—Blue Helmets from India hosted a two-day medical outreach at the UN Protection of Civilians site, adjacent to the Mission's base in Malakal where some 315 displaced people received free treatment. Patients suffering from various ailments were diagnosed and provided with care options. For Dr. Sandeep Ravi, a medical peacekeeper, such interventions lie at the heart of the UN Peacekeeping mission's mandate to help build lasting peace in this country. 'Accessible and inclusive healthcare is key for communities to thrive. Across Upper Nile state, conflict has disrupted not only people's lives and livelihoods but also reduced the number of available health facilities. So, we decided to come together and, for a limited time, bridge this gap as much as possible,' he explained. 'Bringing quality healthcare directly to communities goes beyond free consultations and treatment. It gives hope to people who are most vulnerable.' Mary Joseph, a 20-year-old patient, can testify to Dr Ravi's opinion. 'I've had a problem with my leg for three months now but had no money to pay for treatment at the local clinics in town. Today, Indian doctors have examined me carefully and given me medications to treat the condition as well as manage my pain. I hope I can restart my small business soon,' she said with a smile. Albino Amum, a community leader residing at the camp who helped peacekeepers mobilize this event, described the activity as timely and significant. 'Earlier, we were receiving healthcare from various international and nongovernmental organizations, but we understand that there is a reduction in funding, which has left a big vacuum. So, this medical drive by our friends at UNMISS came at a very opportune time. We hope they'll consider doing similar activities for us for five or six days in future. It makes a big difference for those who are financially constrained yet need urgent health checks,' stated Mr. Amum. For his part, Dr. Ravi reveals that the biggest satisfaction was the response from community members. 'As medical professionals and peacekeepers, there is no greater reward than the genuine appreciation we have received from the displaced communities we treated. I believe this initiative is a testament to what collective effort and compassion can achieve in strengthening public health.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
'We may be from two countries but are one family': Ethiopian peacekeepers hand over medical supplies in Bor
'It's increasingly difficult for us to provide essential medication to patients, whether in hospitals or smaller clinics,' reveals Dr. Bol Chaw. Dr. Chaw is the medical director at Bor State Hospital in Jonglei, South Sudan. His concerns are shared by many across this country, where people living in remote areas often go without basic healthcare. But Dr Chaw has helping hands in the form of Blue Helmets from Ethiopia serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) who handed over a large shipment of vital supplies to the hospital – broad spectrum antibiotics, anti-malarials, painkillers, drugs to tackle chronic illnesses such as hypertension, and surgical materials. The handover couldn't have been timelier, given the onset of the rainy season in the country which often leads to an uptick in malaria cases among communities. 'Since we patrol consistently among communities, we are aware of the challenges they face, particularly with the ongoing economic crisis and consequent shortage of medical supplies. We felt that we must support them. We may be from two countries but are one family and families share,' explains Lieutenant-Colonel Desalegn Sahile Gulilat, commanding officer of the Ethiopian troops. To build further trust and goodwill, Ethiopian peacekeepers followed the medical outreach by providing some basic first aid training to medical staff. 'These partnerships with our international friends such as UNMISS make a real difference in saving lives,' says Dr. Chaw. Beyond this gesture, the Ethiopian contingent undertakes regular patrols and provides military escorts for aid convoys, ensuring lifesaving humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable across the state. 'There are many ways in which we, as peacekeepers, protect civilians. We are on the ground to be of service,' added Lieutenant-Colonel Gulilat. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Government peacebuilders, youth and United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) sow seeds of peace amidst guns
As morning breaks, the vast and open plains of South Sudan's Lakes state are filled with sounds of cattle and the overwhelming smell of smoke. It is at this relatively quiet time, that a team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and state authorities from the Ministry of Peacebuilding set out on a drive. They aim to meet herders, armed youth, and residents in cattle camps that dot the landscape. Why? To hear their concerns and discuss the possibility of a future without violence. For generations, cattle have been a symbol of wealth and pride across Lakes. And, in recent years, they have also become a source of deadly conflict. Cattle theft, revenge raids, and competition over water have left a trail of grief in local communities with countless lives lost and properties destroyed. At one such cattle camp called Buol, 24-year-old herder Makur Magor Bok stands firm at the centre of a gathering. A seasoned cattle keeper despite his age, Makur carries a weapon, not out of malice, he says, but out of necessity. 'If I knew my cattle and my family were safe, I would give up my gun today,' he says, gesturing to the automatic rifle slung across his shoulder. 'We are not criminals, we are just afraid.' Makur told Civil Affairs officers from the UN Peacekeeping mission that thieves had stolen one of his rifles, along with phones and solar chargers. Though he knew who was responsible, he made a decision that surprised many in his community. 'I could have tracked them and fought with them, retrieved my belongings and avenged myself, but I remembered the peace messages I heard from UNMISS before. You said revenge only brings more killing,' he explained. 'So I reported them to the traditional authorities. I want to believe in the law, not in a gun and, hopefully, I won't be disappointed' His unprecedented choice—to trust the system instead of fuelling the cycle of violence—sparked a debate among his peers. Some responded with irony, while others said that they had seen enough of their people die over senseless quarrels. In another nearby cattle camp, Abuok Deng, a 17-year-old girl, shared her fears. 'We sleep in fear. On any given night, someone might raid us. I think to myself that maybe this is the night I lose my baby brother; maybe this is the night someone hurts me,' she exhales, with looking out into the distance. 'We need safety.' The team of government peacebuilders and UNMISS peacekeepers listened intently and responded with strong messages on conflict resolution, the power of dialogue, and the importance of community-led peace. 'This visit is not about disarming people,' stated Ruby Awude, a Civil Affairs Officer. 'It is about creating the kind of peace and safety in communities that makes carrying a gun unnecessary.' As twilight fell, the team left behind more than just words: they left seeds for lasting peace. Whether these take root depends not only on institutional change but also on the courage of individuals like Makur and Abuok. Their words reflect the hope that still flickers in Lakes state: that even in a place tormented by cycles of conflict, there are those who choose peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Long awaited judicial review begins in Gogrial East, with support from United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Women and men in chains approach an improvised justice bench next to the main prison in Lietnhom, the county headquarters of Gogrial East, Warrap. Exhaustion is writ large on their faces. These prisoners have waited a long time for their time in court. Many of them don't even know why they have been detained. 'I really don't know my offense. I don't know my crime. I was taken from the court side, placed in a container and suddenly I ended up in prison,' one of them shares. Another case involves a young woman who found herself imprisoned on charges of adultery—a charge often misused against women—after a tragic incident involving her stepfather and deceased daughter. These anecdotes are a stark reminder that in South Sudan, access to justice cannot be taken for granted. In Lietnhom, with no resident judge for some five years, customary courts, typically limited to civil disputes, have been handling criminal cases beyond their jurisdiction. This resulted in unjust imprisonment, inadequate judicial procedures, and significant distress for inmates, particularly women and young girls. However, this week, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), through its Rule of Law section brought much-needed hope to communities living here by facilitating a two-week case review in collaboration with a judge, public prosecutor and defender sent by the Kuajok High Court to facilitate appropriate court hearings. 'This judicial vacuum must be addressed immediately,' Judge George Michael explained, while beginning to review cases that had gone unheard for months or even years. On the first day, a woman detained for refusing a forced marriage burst into tears as her release was announced. 'Today I finally feel my opinion matters,' she said. Her relief was palpable. Another compelling moment was when the judge addressed the court while reviewing the case of a teenage girl jailed for choosing a different religion. 'We fought for our independence from Sudan to uphold our freedom of beliefs and rights. How can we imprison our own children for exercising these same freedoms?' he questioned. Within two days, substantial progress was made. 'We found that many people were imprisoned without proper documentation or sufficient evidence,' noted Deng Kuol, the prison director. Out of 77 cases reviewed, 41 individuals were immediately freed, significantly reducing prison overcrowding and arbitrary detention. Only nine inmates remained for further legal proceedings. 'Seeing wrongfully incarcerated people walk free with happiness is one of the most rewarding parts of our work,' smiles Lena Ellen Becker, a Justice Advisor with the UN Peacekeeping mission. 'Don't be surprised if overcrowding returns in weeks because of the absence of the permanent prosecutors or judges,' cautions Mr Kuol, however. While these initial sessions reveal deeper systemic issues, such as wrongful imprisonment, arbitrary arrests, and procedural negligence, the beginning of a comprehensive effort toward justice reform in Gogrial East is praiseworthy. Moving forward, detailed reviews and additional judicial support will continue. 'Our roles need clarity, procedures must improve, and we must protect the vulnerable, especially women and girls,' stated Ayen Deng, a traditional leader working with the customary court. Despite these early victories, challenges remain. The woman released from prison faced immediate pressure from her family. They refused to return the cattle received as dowry and insisted she must either marry the man she had originally refused or face imprisonment again. "This shows us that some issues go beyond our courts," explained a UNMISS officer. "Cultural practices and social pressures require a collective change in mindsets and strong government interventions to ensure true justice and freedom for all." As Judge Michael poignantly reminded the gathering, 'Justice delayed is justice denied,' pointing out the urgent need for continued commitment to human rights, fairness, and societal transformation across this young nation. While this UNMISS facilitated case review may only be a temporary solution at this point, its success sets the stage for future replications and long-term investments at the state level. Achieving lasting justice in Lietnhom and beyond will ultimately depend on sustained and collective efforts at every level. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Revision of the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan
At cabinet meeting on June 13, 2025, the Government of Japan decided to revise the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan to extend its period, in light of the significance of continuing contribution toward the international peace and security. Japan has dispatched JGSDF personnel as staff officers to the headquarters of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) since November 2011 and 4 staff officers are currently in charge of planning and coordination in areas of logistics, information, engineering, and air operations at UNMISS HQs in Juba. Regarding Deputy Chief of Staff (jurisdiction over Personnel, Training, Evaluation) and his Personal Assistant who had been additionally dispatched since May 2024, they recently returned home after completion of their one-year mission tour, based on the United Nations Secretariat's policy to rotate the dispatching country every year through selection. Also, regarding Information Officer who is originally tasked to data collection and database maintenance, we have decided to add information analysis as his duty responsibility based on the request from UNMISS. On May 8, 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2779 (2025), which extended the mandate of UNMISS until April 30, 2026, following the adoption of resolution 2778(2025) on April 30 this year which had extended its mandate till May 9. UNMISS is the only UN peacekeeping operation to which Japan currently deploys its personnel. And the dispatch of staff officers to UNMISS is intended to support the progress of the peace process in South Sudan together with the international community. From the perspective of maintaining and strengthening close engagement with the United Nations, cooperation with African countries in the vicinity of South Sudan and ensuring opportunities for human resource development, the dispatch is meaningful. The main point of revision is as follows. Period of the Implementation Plan ・Current: till 30 June 2025 ・After Revision: till 30 June 2026 Change in number of dispatching officers and modifications to their duties Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
