South Sudan Launches Major Peacebuilding Initiatives to Address Community Violence
The Government of South Sudan, with UNDP and UNICEF, introduced two major peacebuilding projects to reduce violence and enhance resilience in conflict-affected areas, targeting local communities, youth, and women. Funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA, the projects focus on community empowerment, socioeconomic opportunities, and addressing violent extremism during their implementation in various regions.
The Government of South Sudan has officially launched two significant peacebuilding projects in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF. These initiatives, supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aim to diminish community violence and bolster resilience in conflict-stricken regions.
The projects seek to empower local communities, particularly youth and women, to engage actively in peacebuilding efforts. At the Juba event, Stephen Par Kuol, the Minister of Peacebuilding, highlighted the necessity of adopting community-centered approaches to attain sustainable peace. He stated that the initiative is crucial, emphasizing the need to move beyond mere violence reduction toward the complete eradication of community violence.
The first initiative, titled “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” is allocated USD 4 million over a three-year period. It focuses on reducing insecurity in the White Nile and Sobat River corridor, with plans for the reintegration of youth impacted by conflict, enhancement of livelihoods, and promotion of social cohesion through trauma healing and psychosocial support.
The second project, “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” involves South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia with a budget of USD 4.8 million. It aims to boost community resilience and social cohesion, especially among youth and women, and is scheduled for implementation in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Mohamed Abchir, UNDP South Sudan’s Resident Representative, emphasized the collaborative approach needed to tackle the root causes of violence. “These projects reaffirm our collective commitment to addressing the root causes of violence, promoting reconciliation…” he remarked, highlighting the importance of equipping communities with the necessary tools for a peaceful future. His acknowledgment of the key contributions of the Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA underscored the collective responsibility for project success.
Pia Philip, the undersecretary at the Ministry of Peacebuilding, urged community involvement in the projects, pointing out their focus on building resilience among youth and women, while also addressing barriers to mobility, such as checkpoints along the White Nile and Sobat River. He described the event as a pivotal moment for achieving sustainable peace through increased community engagement.
Additionally, the projects will tackle violent extremism by advancing peace education, resisting hate speech, and facilitating economic empowerment for youth and women. The Ministry of Peacebuilding signaled its dedication to collaborating with civil society and local communities to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Minister Par reiterated that to be successful, the projects must engage with traditional leadership and community members. He firmly stated that “Juba is not South Sudan. South Sudan is out there, where our people are,” emphasizing the need for inclusive participation.
Ultimately, these peacebuilding efforts are expected to deliver vital socio-economic opportunities, emotional healing, and reconciliation support to strengthen community self-reliance and resilience against ongoing challenges of violence and instability in South Sudan.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s newly launched peacebuilding projects represent a significant commitment towards fostering community engagement, resilience, and sustainable peace. With a focus on involving youth and women, these initiatives aim to combat violence and promote social cohesion in affected regions. The collaboration among various stakeholders exemplifies a vital collective effort to address the root causes of conflict and enable communities to thrive despite adversity.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
