Blog

Introduction

In this article, we’ll discuss the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which has been deployed in the country since 2011, with the mandate to protect civilians, support the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and help build durable peace.

UNMISS’s peace-building efforts in South Sudan are focused on the following key areas:

• Protection of civilians through its military and police components, which are deployed throughout the country. UNMISS peacekeepers patrol areas where civilians are at risk, escort humanitarian convoys, and provide shelter to civilians who have been displaced from their homes.
• Support for the implementation of the R-ARCSS through its political affairs and civil affairs components. UNMISS works with the South Sudanese government and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the ceasefire, the transitional security arrangements, and the political reforms предусмотренные R-ARCSS.
• Building durable peace in South Sudan by supporting national reconciliation, promoting human rights, and strengthening the rule of law. UNMISS also supports the development of the country’s institutions, including the security forces and the judiciary.

Some specific examples of UNMISS’s peace-building efforts in South Sudan include:

• Establishing and maintaining protection of civilian sites (POCs) throughout the country, where civilians can seek refuge from violence, UNMISS peacekeepers protect the POCs and provide essential services to the civilians who live there.
• Supporting the South Sudanese government to implement a national dialogue process aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and building consensus on a way forward for the country.
• Supporting the implementation of the transitional security arrangements, which include the redeployment of forces and the integration of armed groups into the national security forces.

Promoting human rights and the rule of law in South Sudan through its human rights and civil affairs components UNMISS also supports the development of the country’s institutions, including the security forces and the judiciary.

UNMISS’s peace-building efforts in South Sudan have been challenging due to the complex and fluid nature of the conflict. However, UNMISS has made significant progress in some areas, such as protecting civilians and supporting the implementation of the R-ARCSS. UNMISS continues to play a vital role in supporting peace and stability in South Sudan.

Here are some specific examples of the impact of UNMISS’s peace-building efforts in South Sudan:

1. In 2013, peacekeepers were deployed to protect civilians during a violent outbreak of ethnic violence in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The mission also provided shelter and security to displaced persons.
2. In 2015, it played a key role in mediating the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The agreement helped to bring an end to the civil war that had erupted in 2013.
3. In 2018, it helped to mediate a ceasefire agreement between the government and rebel groups. The ceasefire has held for over four years, and it has helped to reduce violence and improve the humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
4. In 2022, it protected over 180,000 civilians at its civilian sites.
5. Supported the release of over 1,000 child soldiers from armed groups in 2022.
6. Supported the training and deployment of over 10,000 unified forces in 2022.
7. Supported the establishment of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in 2020.
8. Has also supported the South Sudanese government in its efforts to reform the security sector. For example, the mission has provided training and equipment to the South Sudanese police and military.
9. Worked to promote human rights in South Sudan. For example, the mission has monitored and reported on human rights abuses and has worked to raise awareness of human rights issues.
10. Supported the South Sudanese government in its efforts to improve governance, deliver basic services, and promote sustainable development. For example, the mission has provided assistance with the development of the national constitution and the holding of elections.
11. Supported the establishment of the Transitional National Assembly, which is a key component of the peace process. The Transitional National Assembly is responsible for drafting a new constitution and preparing for elections.
12. Has also worked to promote reconciliation and dialogue between different communities in South Sudan. For example, UNMISS has supported the establishment of community conflict resolution mechanisms and has helped to organize peace dialogues between different groups.

In addition to the above, UNMISS has also supported peacebuilding in South Sudan through the following initiatives:

Promotion of reconciliation

UNMISS has supported initiatives to promote reconciliation and healing between communities that have been divided by conflict.

Support for women and youth

UNMISS has worked to empower women and youth in South Sudan, who play a vital role in peacebuilding and development.

Recommendations for improving UNMISS’s peace-building efforts

1. Should continue to focus on protecting civilians, especially in areas where there is ongoing conflict.
2. Should also continue to support the implementation of the peace agreement and promote human rights.
3. Should work more closely with the government and with civil society organizations to address the root causes of the conflict.
4. Should also strengthen its capacity to monitor and report on human rights abuses.
5. Should also improve its coordination with other international actors, such as the African Union and regional governments.

Despite these achievements, there are still many challenges to peacebuilding in South Sudan. The conflict remains ongoing, and there are frequent reports of violence and human rights abuses. UNMISS continues to play a vital role in protecting civilians and supporting the peace process, but it is important to note that UNMISS cannot achieve peace on its own. The South Sudanese government and other stakeholders must also play their part.