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.
On 12 June, MINURSO celebrated Russia’s National Day by raising its flag at the Mission headquarters in Laayoune next to the UN flag. On this day, in 1991, the Russian parliament formally the Declaration of Russian State…
Edited for length and clarity Thank you very much, Mr. President, for the very warm welcome you and your team have extended to me here in Kismayo, Jubaland. It is such a pleasure to be back in Kismayo. I was here in the…
On 12 June, MINURSO celebrated Russia’s National Day by raising its flag at the Mis sion headquarters in Laayoune next to the UN flag. On this day, in 1991, the Russian parliament formally the Declaration of Russian State…
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world. USG DiCarlo visits Moscow Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A…
TRIPOLI – After the 6+6 Committee of the House of Representatives and High Council of State announced the completion of its draft electoral laws on 6 June, SRSG Abdoulaye Bathily initiated a series of meetings with political…
These are drums for peace, used as part of the solution to reconcile the previously feuding villages of Omoruo and Lohilai in Eastern Equatoria State. Photos: Okello James/UNMISS EASTERN EQUATORIA – Music lovers will know…
Ten years ago, the United Nations and the Congolese government signed a joint communiqué on combating conflict-related sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This document, signed on March 30, 2013 and amended…
(Link to the full brief, and infographics, at the bottom of this page). Juba, 16 June 2023 – Violence against civilians persists across South Sudan, according to the latest quarterly Human Rights Brief from the United Nations…
EASTERN EQUATORIA – Music lovers will know that star drummers, and drumming in general, tend to divide opinions and, in some cultures, become symbols of teenage love, longing and angst. It is, however, less known that peace…
Cadale - A delegation of United Nations and African Union officials today visited Hirshabelle State, on a mission to inspect the Cadale Forward Operating Base (FOB) ahead of officially handing over the facility to the Federal…
Tripoli – DSRSG Raisedon Zenenga today met with representatives from 17 Libyan political parties and associations, representing the majority of parties across the geographic and political spectrum. The meeting is one of many…
Ten years ago, the United Nations and the Congolese government signed a joint communiqué on combating conflict-related sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This document, signed on March 30, 2013 and amended…