South Sudan has launched two multi-million dollar peacebuilding projects aimed at reducing community violence and enhancing resilience. In collaboration with UNDP and UNICEF, these initiatives will empower youth and women in conflict-affected areas. Key officials stress the importance of community involvement and local leadership in achieving sustainable peace.
The Government of South Sudan has initiated two significant peacebuilding projects in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF. These projects aim to mitigate community violence and enhance resilience in areas affected by conflict, with funding sourced from the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
During the launch event in Juba, Minister of Peacebuilding Stephen Par Kuol highlighted the necessity of community-driven approaches for sustainable peace. “This project is very important and timely because it is community-centered. We must go beyond violence reduction and aim to end community violence entirely,” he asserted. He emphasized the leaders’ responsibility to ensure the security of their communities.
The first project, termed “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” is budgeted at USD 4 million for a duration of 36 months. Its objectives include the reintegration of conflict-affected youth, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering social cohesion through trauma recovery and psychosocial support.
The second initiative, “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” encompasses regions in South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia. With USD 4.8 million allocated, this initiative aims to bolster community resilience and social cohesion, focusing particularly on youth and women. It will be implemented across Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Mohamed Abchir, the UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan, underlined the significance of collective efforts in tackling the underlying causes of violence. “These projects reaffirm our collective commitment to addressing the root causes of violence, promoting reconciliation,” he stated, mentioning how these projects empower vulnerable groups towards a peaceful future.
Additionally, Abchir noted that the projects would encourage democratic involvement by facilitating peaceful electoral conditions and enhancing local conflict prevention capacities. He expressed gratitude towards the Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA for their steadfast support, reinforcing that the projects are fundamentally for the South Sudanese people.
Undersecretary Pia Philip from the Ministry of Peacebuilding urged communities to actively engage in these initiatives. He pointed out that the projects aim to strengthen resilience among young individuals and women while tackling challenges posed by checkpoints along the White Nile and Sobat River. He remarked, “Today marks an important step toward achieving sustainable peace through community engagement.”
Efforts to combat violent extremism will incorporate peace education, the counteraction of hate speech, and economic empowerment for women and youth. This will enhance community-driven approaches to managing conflict, equipping local groups with the necessary tools.
The Ministry of Peacebuilding reiterated its commitment to collaborating with civil organizations and local communities to achieve the projects’ goals. Minister Par asserted, “Juba is not South Sudan. South Sudan is out there, where our people are. We must work with traditional leadership, youth, and women to achieve the objectives of this project.”
These initiatives seek to provide socio-economic opportunities, trauma healing, and reconciliation support for communities, ultimately empowering them to become more self-reliant. This launch represents a pivotal moment for South Sudan as it confronts ongoing challenges of community violence and instability.
In summary, the South Sudan government’s launch of two major peacebuilding projects with UNDP and UNICEF reflects a proactive approach to reducing community violence and enhancing resilience. By empowering local communities, particularly youth and women, through collaborative efforts, South Sudan aims to foster sustainable peace and stability in the region. The success of these initiatives hinges on active community involvement and effective resource allocation, as underscored by various officials during the launch.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
