Latest news with #EasternEquatorian
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Sudan: Eastern Equatoria creates taskforce dedicated to addressing gender-based violence
While gender-based violence, including aggressions of a sexual nature, impacts women and girls across the globe, those living in societies that are more male-dominated than others run a significantly higher risk of being subjected to such violations. In South Sudan and other countries experiencing a conflict or post-conflict context, they are particularly vulnerable. Recognizing the devastating effects of this plague, Eastern Equatoria State has taken decisive action by establishing a taskforce dedicated to addressing and coordinating efforts to combat both gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence. 'We all have a moral obligation to stop all forms of violence against women and girls,' asserts Mikelina Emilio, a Gender Affairs Officer serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), whose support has been instrumental to the creation of the new and inclusive body. Comprising 50 members, the taskforce includes representatives from government institutions, UN agencies, women-led networks, faith-based groups, youth unions, civil society and international organizations. It is committed to using their collective and complementary experiences and skills strength to develop strategies to tackle harmful cultural practices contributing to putting women and girls at risk of sexual and other forms of violence. A propensity to deny girls the right to education, not least by condoning their early and often forced marriages and thus keeping them at home, is one such negative, gender-biased practice. So called blood compensation, where the family of an informally convicted murderer offers a girl or woman as a kind of 'payment' to the relatives of the victim, is another. Both phenomena reflect and reinforce a view of women and girls as objects, assets and property rather than individuals with the same rights and entitlements as men and boys. 'It is our collective role and responsibility as stakeholders to work together to put an end to all forms of gender-based violence, and that is why we are here,' said Jennifer Nabongorika, the state's Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, who added that making efforts to hold perpetrators of violations accountable and providing adequate support to survivors will be important aspects of the work of the taskforce. The origin of the Eastern Equatorian initiative can be traced back to 2023, when the peacekeeping mission and the national Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare hosted a forum to discuss methods to address sexual and other forms of gender-based violence. A thorough analysis of trends and challenges related to the issue concluded with the forum recommending all states to improve coordination by establishing inclusive, dedicated taskforces. Protecting women and girls against violence and other violations, not least by supporting initiatives to this end, is an integral part of the UN peacekeeping mission's mandate in South Sudan. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers help strengthen security for civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict in Magwi
More than 19,000 civilians have reportedly been displaced and an unverified number of people killed and missing following an outbreak of violence involving cattle-raiding and revenge attacks across Magwi County, in the Eastern Equatorian region of South Sudan. Despite many challenges in accessing the affected areas, a peacekeeping patrol reached the communities in need, including in remote locations such as villages in Agoro, Chomboro, Twon-Okun in Nyolo, and displacement sites in Obama and at Magwi Central Primary School. The peacekeepers heard first-hand the impact of the violence, assessed the security situation, and engaged with local political and security actors to restore calm and prevent further conflict. Regina Achayo, who fled her home in Nyolo when the violence erupted, described how the situation unfolded and expressed concern at the lack of protection provided by government security services. 'The armed raiders came on foot, but then started looting our property using vehicles that they stole, including taking iron sheets from the roofs of our buildings. They also burnt houses to the ground,' she explained. 'Why did the government not intervene when they heard about the destruction? There are children here who came without their parents. How are we going to feed them? How are we going to provide shelter when there is nothing left?' A multisectoral field assessment undertaken by humanitarian partners, including the United Nations country team, international, and national NGOs, reported that water and food are the most urgent needs for the displaced communities. Magwi County Commissioner, Pole Pole Bengamin, also explained the level of destruction and displacement as well as the impact on humanitarian services. 'We are still working to verify the number of people killed. But many houses were looted and burnt to the ground. Property was taken, including cattle and goats, and more than 100 hectares of crops were destroyed. There was also massive displacement,' he said. 'In Agoro, public services were damaged, including a resource center and a youth center provided by UNHCR as well as a primary health facility.' The mission also met with displaced families at a temporary site in Obama, where the Chief of the Ayii Boma, Otto Martin Leonardo, said security needed to be restored in all locations before communities would have the trust and confidence to return home. While the government is primarily responsible for protecting civilians, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Tahir Cevik, reiterated the mission's commitment to help deter conflict and enhance security so that displaced families can safely return home. 'We promise to do whatever we can to help you return home to rebuild your lives and sustain your families once again,' he told the community. 'We have also taken note of your concerns and needs so that we can share the information with humanitarian partners in the hope of assistance reaching you.' UNMISS also stressed the importance of urgent and sustained dialogue among community leaders, government officials, cattle keepers and other armed actors to reconcile, reduce tensions and restore peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
