Within a multitude of worn white tents, reside tens of thousands of individuals who were compelled to escape their residences when a civil war broke out in South Sudan more than a decade ago. Many of the youngsters were born in this camp for displaced persons and still reside there today.
During the third day of his goodwill visit to Juba, Dennis Francis, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, witnessed firsthand the difficult circumstances in which these families live. He listened to the concerns and aspirations of community leaders, learning about the obstacles they face in accessing healthcare services and their fears about the upcoming floods during the rainy season.
President Francis expressed solidarity and backing for the communities, as well as the United Nations’ commitment to support all endeavors to fully implement the peace agreement, allowing those displaced to return home and reconstruct their lives.
President Francis shared, “I became aware of the harsh reality experienced by Internally Displaced Persons Camp inhabitants in South Sudan, and potentially elsewhere. Seeing the struggles of those impacted by conflict, particularly the IDPs, reminds us of the urgent necessity for peace and stability. We must intensify our efforts to relieve suffering and rebuild lives, by prioritizing the fundamental needs #WASH and food sustenance for IDPs.”
The President also engaged with local media on various issues affecting the nation, such as intercommunal conflicts, the risks of spillover from the Sudan crisis, escalated humanitarian requirements, and the consequences of climate change-induced flooding and drought.
His message is clear and straightforward – the imperative of peace.
President Francis affirmed, “The Revitalized Agreement is undeniably a significant accomplishment. And I firmly believe that what it requires now is for all parties to earnestly support it for its complete implementation, and I reiterate, full implementation. Mahatma Gandhi’s wise words remind us that there is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”
To ensure the sustainability of peace, the President stressed the necessity for an expanded civic and political arena.
The nation of South Sudan’s domestically steered journey towards a brighter future must be inclusive, showcasing the complete, equal, and meaningful involvement of its women. It must welcome the active engagement of civil society organizations and the youth. Enabling pathways for realizing the rights of all children must also be fully acknowledged.
Children are especially susceptible to the hazards posed by mines and explosive ordnance in South Sudan, where more than 21 million square meters of land are known to be contaminated. Since 2004, the UN Mine Action Service has been safeguarding communities by eliminating these hazards to enable displaced individuals to safely return home, providing secure access to farmlands, residences, healthcare centers, and schools, and promoting socio-economic development.
The President of the General Assembly observed and participated in these efforts at a location in Gondokoro, 17 kilometers northeast of Juba. This area was ensnared in intense combat between forces during the civil war. Up to now, UNMAS has cleared more than 380,000 sqm of land, about 53 football fields, and dismantled 57 dangerous objects, safeguarding and enhancing the lives of 2500 host community members and 5,500 returnees and displaced persons.
President Francis witnessed a range of UNMAS activities from manual mine clearance to the use of battle area clearance machines and specially trained mine action dogs to detect and alert of dangers. He even took part in the demolition of an unexploded ordnance by pressing a button.
President Francis expressed his appreciation, stating, “I’m deeply grateful for the work done by the deminers. I commend their dedication to come to work every day, facing significant personal risks, to ensure the safety of communities and families residing or passing through areas affected by unexploded ordnances.”
The President will conclude his journey tomorrow by spending time with police officers and engineers serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).