Statement by Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General & Head of UNMISS at his press conference
[Near Verbatim] I want to thank you for joining me at today’s press conference and welcome to everyone who is tuning in live on Radio Miraya. I’m going to focus on three areas during this briefing — firstly, the extension of…
A newly constructed justice centre in Pibor is offering citizens hope of easier access to courts and significantly increased accountability. Photo by Mach Samuel/UNMISS.
Pibor residents’ hope for accountability boosted by new justice centre
GREATER PIBOR – The consequences of delayed justice can be dire, sometimes taking the shape of revenge attacks and further crimes being committed. Residents of Pibor and its Greater Administrative Area are familiar with this…
Top UN official urges political, financial investments by South Sudan’s leaders to complete transition
JUBA – “Requests for external or international financing for any aspect of South Sudan’s transition need to be backed up with demonstrable proof that national financial resources are being prioritized for long overdue steps,”…
Only by helicopter were UNMISS staff able to reach out to the people in Akok, suffering from isolation caused by both intercommunal violence and floods. Photos: Zejin Yin/UNMISS
Women in the wake of Tonj North clashes: “All we want is peace, without it, we will suffer”
WARRAP – Recent intercommunal violence in Tonj North County has claimed at least 20 lives and left dozens of people injured. With access to the conflict zone further complicated by season floods, residents of the area are…
Residents of Gumbo Tawdat on the outskirts of Juba grabbed the opportunity to find out more about South Sudan's political developments. Photos: Blessings Samuel Phumisa/UNMISS
Echoes of both frustration and hope as Gumbo grassroots ask tough questions about country’s future
JUBA – On the eastern bank of the White Nile in Juba lies Gumbo Tawdat. Somewhere in its midst, under a tent protecting them from the elements, some 70 of the neighbourhood’s residents have gathered. They, and there is a fair…
Hundreds of women in Tambura enjoy coffee, conversations on peacebuilding, and camaraderie at their weekly get-togethers to support each other. Photos: Denis Louro/UNMISS
Women at weekly coffee sessions in Tambura mix clout, compassion and comfort
WESTERN EQUATORIA - Under an ancient mango tree, the unique smell of freshly brewed coffee suffuses the air. It does so alongside the rhythms of local music and the sounds of hundreds of women singing, dancing and rejoicing…
UNMISS alarmed by violent attacks in Juba county, calls for investigation and accountability
JUBA – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is alarmed by reports of a series of violent clashes between armed actors in the greater Juba area of Central Equatoria state, resulting in the deaths of 24 people…
In Jonglei State, UNMISS invited diverse stakeholders to partake in constructive dialogues, promoting their active involvement in shaping South Sudan's political future. Photos by Nektarios Markogiannis/UNMISS.
Forum in Jonglei embraces diversity, commits to expanding civic and political space
JONGLEI – At a recent three-day political forum in Bor, participants pledged to take actions to make sure that citizens feel free to express and share their views on developments in their state and country. The gathering…
Housing for judges and prosecutors, funded by UNMISS through its Quick Impact Project programme, is expected to improve access to justice in the Ruweng Administrative Area. Photo by Jacob Ruai/UNMISS.
Pariang now ready to house court personnel, improving access to justice and accountability
RUWENG ADMINISTRATIVE AREA – In many places across South Sudan, anyone involved in legal proceedings is likely to have a long wait ahead. Courts are few and far between, with judges and other required professionals possibly…
Subnational violence remains a significant concern affecting civilians across South Sudan
JUBA – Subnational violence remains a significant concern affecting civilians across South Sudan, as documented by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in its latest quarterly brief. Between April and June 2024…
Mary Baril Catherine Demontano from the Philippines serves with UNMISS in Aweil as a Police Officer. She is passionate about protecting women from all kinds of violence. Photos: Emmanuel Kele/UNMISS
Mary Catherine Demontato, UN Police in Aweil: “When you empower a woman, you build a nation”
NORTHERN BAHR EL GHAZAL - “We need South Sudan’s leaders to empower women,” says Mary Baril Catherine Demontano, speaking ahead of October, the United Nations’ official month for shining a light on the increasingly important…
Residents of Hai Baraka on the outskirts of Juba expressed frustration and hope in equal measures at an UNMISS event organized to discuss the country’s political developments. Photo by Blessings Samuel Phumisa/UNMISS.
Purwor Nyal's in Hai Baraka: “How can we have so many resources and so much poverty?”
JUBA - At nearly 80, Purwor Nyal, with his wooden cane, walks steadily but with heavy steps, burdened by a lifetime of experiencing South Sudan's turbulent past and present. Born in the floodplains of Bentiu, he has witnessed…