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.
Atupele Mbewe hails from southern Malawi and is currently deployed to UNMISS. In her current role as a Civil-Military or CIMIC Coordination Officer, she works with military and civilian colleagues to coordinate all logistic…
Mogadishu – International partners* welcome the continuation of talks on 1 March between Federal Government of Somalia Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the Council of Presidential Candidates. After the successful…
Captain Ritu Pandey is a 29-year-old army officer from Nepal currently deployed to UNMISS. In this interview, she speaks about being a female military officer, serving in South Sudan and leading an all-women engagement team…
Captain Ahlam Al-Habahbeh from Jordan is currently serving as an UNPOL officer in South Sudan. In this short interview, Ahlam speaks about her work and why, she believes, serving for United Nations Peacekeeping is a career…
Atupele Mbewe hails from southern Malawi and is currently deployed to UNMISS as a staff officer at the mission’s headquarters in Juba, South Sudan. In this short interview, this committed peacekeeper and mother speaks about…
BAMYAN - The role of youth as agents of peace and development was spotlighted during a series of UN-backed radio programmes in the country’s central and southeast provinces. Speaking during radio programmes in Bamyan…
On 25 th FEB 2021, NEPCON IX conducted CASEVAC/MEDEVAC Exercise in Mt. Hermon Complex in coordination with the Mission Training Cell, UNDOF. This exercise was incorporated with entire troops from all positions of NEPCON IX…
All-women peacekeeping teams across South Sudan are having an immediate impact in forging connections with women and children in the world's newest country, especially as it battles the global COVID-19 pandemic. As…
As peacekeepers, when we’re patrolling, we meet everybody—women, men, children, the elderly, the disabled,” says Sub Lieutenant Agnes Arthur from Ghana. “Conflict affects men and women differently. In South Sudan, which is…
Baidoa – Quiet and calm are rare at the Bay Regional Hospital in the city of Baidoa. On any given day, the usual hustle and bustle associated with a major hospital feature throughout its grounds, as could be expected for the…
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world. Security Council Swan: “This is a time to pursue dialogue” Special Representative James Swan on 22…
Briefing by Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, to the Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on Myanmar Mr. President, Members of the General Assembly, It is now exactly four…