Civilian disarmament and inter-communal dialogue would play an important role in curbing cattle raids and inter-communal violence, Baliet County officials in Upper Nile State said today.

The officials, who met with an UNMISS team visiting the county, raised concerns that neighbouring communities from Nyrol and Pibor counties in Jonglei State would use firearms they possessed to raid cattle from Baliet residents.

The integrated UNMISS team, comprised of mission staff from the Justice Advisory, Human Rights and Civil Affairs sections, as well as UN Police and Military Liaison Officers, was concluding a two-day assessment mission following a cattle raid in the area on 21 June. The raid left six people dead and more than 400 displaced.

County Commissioner Chok Mateng Dong said Baliet chiefs and their counterparts from Uror, Nyrol and Akobo counties in Jonglei state had participated in a one-day early warning and early response workshop, organized by Christian Relief Services, following the incident.

“During the workshop, participants agreed to form a Joint Monitoring Team and conduct further preparations and planning on early warning,” said Mr. Dong. “This is a step forward for us.”

He noted that security forces in the state were able to recover cattle after the workshop from raiders in another incident that took place in Abwong Payam on 26 June.

Baliet County Police Commissioner Ayol Chier Akol said it was difficult to access and patrol areas vulnerable to cattle raiding, particularly during the rainy season when roads were impassable.

“I call upon UNMISS to conduct training for SSNPS (South Sudan National Police Service) in community policing,” said Maj. Akol. “I believe this will help.”

Youth Chairperson Mading Mayik asked UNMISS and the government to facilitate dialogue with other communities to discuss possible solutions to the cattle raiding problem.

Leading the UNMISS integrated team, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Marie Pegie Cauchois pledged the mission’s support in efforts to mitigate conflict and protect civilians.

“UNMISS will provide support to form an environment for genuine dialogue with the concerned stakeholders,” said Ms. Cauchois.

1 July 2013 - Aiming to ease travel for people in Jonglei State, UNMISS South Korean engineers began repairing the main road in the state capital Bor today.

“As a peacekeeping force, we are here to assist (the government) in maintaining peace and stability,” said First Lieutenant Jeon Sangwoo, site manager of the road repairs project, which is set to be completed by the end of September.

A total of 15 engineers are working on the 19-kilometre stretch of road, which was damaged by heavy rains.

Bor resident Emmanuel Thon expressed delight at the engineers’ work. “Roads are one of the most serious and challenging problems for us here in Jonglei,” he said.

The contingent’s engineers are also assisting the government construction of a parking area for incoming flights at Bor Airstrip and a waste disposal site in the town.

“The construction of this new parking area (will play a significant role) in solving the problem of air traffic congestion,” said parking area site manager Captain Han Kyuhak. “When completed, it will enhance the capacity of the airstrip.”

The airstrip in the volatile state’s capital is one of the busiest and crowded in the country, with daily humanitarian, commercial, government and UN flights.

Some 35 engineers are working on the 45,000 square-metre parking area, which will include a 1,040 metre-long drainage ditch. Work on the project began on 17 June and will continue until the end of February 2014, Captain Kyuhak said.

The engineers are constructing a road to connect the airstrip parking area with Bor’s main road and another to a gas station.

Seeking to improve local hygiene in the state, 20 South Korean engineers are constructing a waste disposal site in Apir locality, northeast of Bor.

Site manager Captain Lee Kyejun said the 7.5 metre-deep disposal site, covering a 2,500- metre area, will have the capacity to stock about 18,000 tons of waste.

“Dumping waste materials in a safe and confined area like this will help (to boost) hygiene and keep the environment safe,” he said.

The engineers were constructing a road to connect the disposal site with the town and had already completed an eight-kilometer stretch, Captain Kyejun said.

“We (have) had serious health problems … due to reckless disposal of waste materials,” said Athong Koul, a resident of Apir. “Now we hope that this problem will be solved.”

The engineering projects began after a 19 February visit to the state by Special Representative of the Secretary General Hilde F. Johnson, when she pledged that the mission would assist Jonglei in developing its infrastructure once South Korean engineers were deployed there.

7 July 2013 - A key aim of UNMISS was to support South Sudan in becoming a modern state with working institutions and full respect for human rights, the UN’s top peacekeeping official said today in the Jonglei state capital Bor.

“A lot has already been achieved in two years,” said Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous, who arrived in South Sudan for a three-day visit on 5 July. “We are working solidly with the government … to continue making progress in providing the citizens with all that they expect from the state.”

Mr. Ladsous, accompanied by Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Hilde F. Johnson, met with Jonglei State Governor Koul Manyang Juuk and members of his cabinet in Bor to discuss the security and humanitarian situation of the conflict-ridden state.

In a press briefing after the meeting, the peacekeeping chief said challenges the state faced could not all be solved at once.

“It is clear that the UN does not have the means to take over (or deal) with all these issues … due to the financial austerity in the whole world,” said Mr. Ladsous. “We have, for instance, very significant constraints in terms of our own mobility within the state.”

But he pledged that the UNMISS South Korean Engineering contingent would continue to assist the state in developing its infrastructure.

“The Under-Secretary-General informed us about the mission of the Korean engineering contingent that has already started working on roads in Bor,” said Governor Juuk. “According to the information we heard, during the dry season they will … (connect) counties (like) Pibor, Pochalla and Akobo, which are remote and inaccessible areas of the state.”

Visiting the UNMISS Indian contingent, Mr. Ladsous paid tribute to peacekeepers who lost their lives in an attack by unknown assailants in April.

Following his arrival in the country on 5 July, Mr. Ladsous met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Juba. They discussed resolving conflict in Jonglei as well as UNMISS support for national political processes like constitutional review, legal and judicial reforms and capacity-building of national police.

Accompanied by SRSG Johnson and Head of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) General Yohannes Tesfamariam, Mr. Ladsous spoke with the president about the contested region, emphasizing UN support for the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP).

“We had an exchange on the bilateral relationship between Sudan and South Sudan, which remains, of course, a subject that requires close attention by the international community,” he said. “There are clearly a number of obstacles, but we have to support all efforts to make the relationship between Juba and Khartoum a stable one in the interest of both countries and their populations.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ms. Hilde F. Johnson congratulates the Republic of South Sudan on the second anniversary of its independence.

“Let us celebrate the Republic of South Sudan’s second birthday, and renew our pledge to help its people achieve the enduring peace and prosperity they so richly deserve”, SRSG Johnson said on the eve of the celebrations. “The global commitment of Mission as well as the United Nations remains robust, with 63 countries represented among the more than 10,000 civilian, military and police staff members serving in South Sudan” she added.

Since independence two years ago, sky-high expectations have been tempered by austerity, frictions with Sudan and also internal tensions. UNMISS salutes the resilience and determination of the nation and its people to move forward. As history has shown, South Sudan has always managed to overcome ordeals and challenges. We trust that the leadership of the country will do its utmost to strengthen governance, reform its institutions and strengthen the respect for the rights of all South Sudanese in the years to come.

UNMISS will continue to support the government’s efforts to help restore peace and stability throughout the country and facilitate the establishment of conditions for development benefiting all the people of South Sudan.

For further information or media enquiries,
Spokesperson: Ariane Quentier - quentier@un.org +211 912 177 770

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is deeply concerned about reports of a major mobilization of armed youth moving towards Pibor county in Jonglei State and reported clashes. UNMISS calls on the leaders of all Jonglei communities, their youth, as well as on national and state authorities to exercise maximum restraint and urgently engage in reconciliation efforts.

The Mission is doing its utmost to verify the information and assess the population movements, including through the use of aerial reconnaissance flights. The Mission’s mobility continues to be hampered by inadequate air assets, which severely limit its capability to detect violence occurring in inaccessible rural areas. As a result, UNMISS is not in an immediate position to confirm details about numbers or locations of the mobilized youth and associated clashes.

In view of the ongoing insecurity, UNMISS is reinforcing its military presence in Gumuruk and Pibor. Contingency plans are in place should these towns be attacked and civilians seek protection at UNMISS bases. In addition, UNMISS is maintaining a regular civilian staff presence in Pibor and other areas it is able to access.

UNMISS is in constant contact with the Government of South Sudan and the SPLA as well as officials in Jonglei. UNMISS calls upon them to take urgent action to prevent an escalation of the violence. The Mission has reminded the Government and its national security forces that it is their primary responsibility to provide protection to civilian populations in particular if under imminent threat.

UNMISS has also urged prominent leaders of all communities to call for restraint and to do their utmost to stop the situation from deteriorating further. Once again, UNMISS appeals to all parties to commit to renewed dialogue and reconciliation, to reinitiate the Jonglei peace process and to fully implement the All Jonglei peace conference resolutions.

For further information or media enquiries,
Spokesperson: ArianeQuentier- quentier@un.org +211912177770

13 July 2013 – Recognizing vital needs of the local South Sudanese community, UN national staff in Upper Nile State donated several critical items to Malakal Teaching Hospital today.

The National Staff Association (NSA) in the state, made up of South Sudanese employees of UNMISS and other UN agencies, donated blankets, mattresses, bed sheets, beds, mosquito nets and plastic sheets to the Tuberculosis Ward at the hospital.

“We are a part of the society and we need to support our government in nation-building,” said Isaac Kot Dut, association chairperson in the state.

Upper Nile Governor Simon Kun Pouch and UNMISS State Coordinator Deborah Schein witnessed the handover of items to the hospital.

“We can help each other, with big or small contributions,” said Mr. Pouch. “This is the way we can build our nation.”

The governor donated 10,000 South Sudanese pounds to the hospital and planted a mango tree at the pediatric wing.

The hospital’s Director General Dr. John Chol outlined challenges the facility faced.

“There is no power during the daytime because, due to austerity measures, we lack sufficient fuel,” said Dr. Chol. “The hospital also lacks medical doctors.”

Ms. Schein described the second anniversary of independence as a symbol of hope for a brighter future for South Sudan’s citizens.

16 July 2013 - By donating seedlings to the local Jonglei community, UNMISS Nepalese peacekeepers were playing a vital role in improving food security, the state Minister of Agriculture said in Bor today.

Minister Mayen Ngor Atem, who received the tomato, cabbage, moringa, cucumber, cauliflower, pumpkin and okra seedlings and seeds from the Nepalese at the state’s Central Nursery, said the donation would contribute to the government’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency in urban areas like Bor.

“Many children are malnourished in urban areas across the state due to lack of enough green plants and we hope that such contributions will change this,” he added.

Mr. Atem handed over a plot of land at the nursery to the peacekeepers and asked them to train the local population in planting “urban” vegetables.

Major Shiva Prasad Paudel, Commander of Nepalese Force Reserve Company, said his troops would share their agricultural knowledge and skills to help empower the state’s residents.

“We are trying to assist locals to achieve food self-sufficiency,” he said. “They have (very) fertile land … that could bring enormous changes (to) their lives and future.”

The Nepalese soldiers, along with members of the Rwandan Aviation and Korean Engineering units, also donated footballs on a separate occasion to Jonglei Football Association and Malek Secondary School.

“We believe that sport (can play an important role) in fostering durable peace and stability across Jonglei,” Jonglei Football Association Secretary General Okello Gilo said during the handover event.

18 July 2013 - In line with South Sudan’s plans to integrate human rights education in school curricula, UNMISS concluded a two-day training for secondary school teachers in the Warrap State capital Kuajok today.

The Training of Trainers workshop, organized in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, introduced 15 Kuajok High School teachers to Basic Human Rights Education, Bill of Rights and topics like Gender and Civic Duties.

“It is doubtful (that) there could be democracy without human rights,” said State Minister of Education Andrea Aguer Ariik. “The right to vote, access to education, rights to learn and other universal rights are important (in building) a nation.”

He encouraged participants to read the Constitution and study human rights aspects in it.

“It is often said that the struggle for independence of South Sudan, (was) a struggle for human rights,” said UNMISS State Coordinator Abraham Onifade. “Human Rights (are) enshrined in the transitional constitution.”

When the course concluded, teachers were familiar with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and able to discuss how it related to South Sudan.

“It is important for you to share the knowledge (you have gained) on human rights,” said Mr. Onifade. “It is only when you share the knowledge that it becomes useful to the greater community and the nation at large.”

Plans to incorporate Human Rights Education in the country’s school system will be implemented in three phases in all 10 states, with support from UNMISS.

The first phase includes training for school teachers and introducing them to a Manual on Human Rights Education, as well as establishing human rights clubs in secondary schools. Teachers and Ministry of Education experts will then develop a human rights curriculum to be integrated into the general school curricula in the second phase.

In the last phase, outcomes of the first two phases will be presented to the national Ministry of Education in Juba to kick off integration of human rights into the national curricula.

19 July 2013 - In efforts to increase awareness about HIV and AIDS among communities in Unity State, UNMISS organized a series of meetings on the pandemic this week, which ended today.

Some 300 students and teachers attended the awareness meeting held at Bentiu B Secondary School, following similar events for inmates at Bentiu Central Prison and church-goers at Saint John Parish.

The awareness programmes were conducted in collaboration with the South Sudan AIDS Commission and state Ministry of Health.

“We have to show that HIV and AIDS don’t have any boundary,” said a representative of local HIV/AIDS counselors, Dickson Gatluak. “It is an infection which can affect (anyone).”

UNMISS HIV/AIDS Officer Steven Odera said one of the most frequently asked questions was whether an infected person who looked healthy could still transmit the virus.

“Teenagers asked about the likelihood of having a HIV negative child when both of the parents are positive,” he added.

The UNMISS HIV/AIDS unit in the state works closely with the Ministry of Health on programmes to promote knowledge about prevention and treatment services.

Last April, the unit trained 41 people to serve as HIV/AIDS counselors in their organizations, which included the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, South Sudan National Police Service and prisons service. Another three counselors are volunteering in the ministry.

18 July 2013 - Aiming to improve response to emergencies, 12 police officers in Unity State completed radio communication training today at the UNMISS compound in the state capital Bentiu.

Police officers from Abiemnom and Rubkona counties attended the three-day training, which was organized by the UN Development Programme Community Security and Small Arms Control (UNDP-CSAC) Project.

“I’m glad to see that crime will be better reported,” said Sergeant Major Joseph Kong Riek, a participant from Rubkona Police Station. “Sometimes information from (distant) payams can be reported only by messengers on foot. With more police posts and more radios, we hope the security situation will gradually improve.”

Another participant, Private Peter Riek from Abiemnom Police Station, said once information about the radios had filtered through to local residents, potential criminals would be discouraged in knowing that reports could reach police faster.

According to UNDP officials, trained officers will be deployed as Radio Operators at four new solar-powered police posts recently built in the two counties by South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) with support from the UNDP-CSAC Project.

“The new police posts were a result of community consultations from 2011 to 2012,” said UNDP-CSAC Projects Communications and Reports Officer Charles Okwir. “The consultations, which were facilitated by the UNDP-CSAC Project with support from UNMISS, enabled communities in Unity state to identify projects that could help address their security concerns.”

He added that UNDP-CSAC Project had responded to the findings and assisted the state government in establishing the police posts with financial support from the European Union (EU).

To help reduce conflicts over access to scarce water resources, UNDP-CSAC Project also provided 19 hand-pump boreholes. And it re-excavated and re-opened the Guit Canal to enable water from the River Nile to flow into Naam River, Mr. Okwir said.

“Cattle-keepers in the area don’t have to trek seven kilometres … and fight with other cattle keepers over access to water and pasture,” he said.

The project also collaborated with UNMISS to support the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission in training “Peace Cadres” like traditional leaders in conflict prevention, mitigation and resolution techniques in Koch and Mayendit counties.

In addition, communities in Mayendit, Leer, Koch and Panyijiar counties received four tractors from the UNDP-CSAC Project to assist in improving food security.

25 July 2013 - Seeking to find ways of curbing arbitrary and unlawful detention in Jonglei, UNMISS today conducted a one-day forum in the state capital Bor.

Arbitrary detention was a major challenge in the state, despite being prohibited by South Sudanese laws, UNMISS Judicial Affairs Officer Mike Dzakuma said.

“This forum (is) part of our advocacy programmes to create awareness of the problem…. and to make recommendations to the government for reform,” he said.
Several organizations have reported on the critical need to end arbitrary detention.

A June 2012 Human Rights Watch report said flawed processes, unlawful detentions, and dire conditions in South Sudan’s prisons reflected the urgent need to improve the new nation’s fledging justice system.

Some 24 participants, from the Jonglei State Legal Administration, South Sudan Human Rights Commission, John Garang Memorial University, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations held in-depth discussions on the challenges and moving ahead to end the practice.

“Anyone arrested or detained on criminal charges shall be brought promptly before a judge or other officer authorized by law,” said Kuot Jook Alith, Deputy Head of the Jonglei Legal Administration. “Anyone who is deprived of his liberty by arrest or detention shall be entitled to take proceedings before a court.”

UNMISS officials also briefed participants on the role of the mission. They highlighted areas such as protection of civilians, consolidation of peace and security, and efforts to help establish conditions for development.

26 July 2013 - Focusing on human rights during disarmament campaigns and conflicts, UNMISS concluded a two-day workshop for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) today in the Unity State capital Bentiu.

Organized by the mission’s Human Rights Section, the activity aimed to raise awareness of human rights among the 24 senior SPLA officers attending.

SPLA Commander and participant Major General James Koang Chol said SPLA officers must educate themselves about human rights. “We talked (about) a lot of things … about the disarmament process and what the (human rights) challenges are.”

Maj. Gen. Chol also noted that South Sudan had signed several international human rights treaties.

UNMISS Human Rights Officer Bendatta Odorisio stressed the importance of human rights for the national army. “The SPLA is … the protector of the Constitution of South Sudan … Many (soldiers) are not aware of human rights.”

29 July 2013 - With an eye to serving at UN missions worldwide, 13 South Sudanese military officers graduated in Juba today from a two-week course in peacekeeping operations.

“This training is a first step in the preparation of SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Army) officers to take on such (peacekeeping) duties in the future, “Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Raisedon Zenenga said at the closing ceremony.

The UNMISS-sponsored course covered such topics as human rights, observer and liaison duties, radio communication, sexual exploitation and abuse and protection of civilians.

Mr. Zenenga stressed that close collaboration between UNMISS and the SPLA was critical for the mission to carry out its work and the SPLA to protect the country’s territory and people.

Cooperation especially vital in mission support for mitigating conflict, protecting civilians, establishing rule of law and strengthening the security and justice sectors, and investigating human rights, the DSRSG said.

The DSRSG stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians rested with the government and security forces. “The mission was created to support the Government of South Sudan in its efforts to protect civilians and achieve an improved security environment.”

Also addressing the gathering, UNMISS Force Commander Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi praised the officers for their efforts during the workshop. “I was encouraged by the commitment and dedication shown by participants of this course.”

Lt Gen Thomas Cirillo Swaka, SPLA Deputy Chief of Staff Training, stressed that participant interest in the course should tell the UN that they were “thinking about the peace of their country”.

“Those who fought for us know what peace means. They know that the UN is supporting the country for peace to live,” he said.

31 July 2013 - Seeking to enhance the capacity of justice officials in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, UNMISS organized a one-day rule of law forum in the state capital Aweil today.

The forum, which will be held every month, discussed differences in jurisdiction of customary and statutory laws.

“Customary Courts should (handle) civil cases, mediation, reconciliation and compensation, (but) not detention,” said UNMISS Human Rights Officer David Tundo.

Forum Chairperson Justice Joseph Marko noted that customary courts could only deal with criminal cases referred to them by statutory courts, and detention only when executing decisions of statutory courts.

“Local chiefs should not be blamed, they do not know (the) Local Government Act (LGA) – and this has to be disseminated,” said Mr. Marko, who is also the state Director of Legal Administration and Public Prosecution. “Furthermore, a practical approach must be adopted in counties that do not have statutory courts and judges.’’

The forum recommended more legal awareness-raising and distribution of statutory laws among traditional chiefs, as well as harmonization of customary laws. It also advised a review of laws like the Wath-Alel Dinka Bahr El- Ghazal customary laws of 1983.

State Minister of Local Government Lino Adup Acher said the state council of ministers had recently passed a bill establishing a Council of Traditional Authorities to address issues regarding customary law.

He urged UNMISS to organize meetings with customary chiefs at all levels to help strengthen their justice capabilities.

The forum also discussed adultery and rape, with women representatives raising concerns about customary courts favouring men over women.

“In the Wath-Alel laws … I (do) not see the right of the women (reflected),” said Madina Mohamed Hamid, acting Director of Gender in the Ministry of Social Welfare. “If we talk about adultery, many people blame women … (yet) the men are also guilty.”

7 August 2013 - In an effort to reach more needy people in conflict-torn Jonglei, the World Food Programme (WFP) brought three more helicopters to the state today.

The agency is using helicopters to deliver urgent food aid to tens of thousands of people who have fled violence in Jonglei. The state’s lack of roads and current rains make delivering food by land impossible.

On 23 July, WFP appealed to donors for nearly $20 million to support expanded operations for 60,000 conflict-affected people in Jonglei until December, and has received pledges to cover some of the helicopter costs.

The pledges had allowed WFP to hire the three additional MI-8 MTV helicopters, said WFP Spokesperson George Fominyen. “This will enable us to airlift food for 30,000 people for the next three months.”

Close to 18,000 displaced people have received food over the past few weeks in areas of Pibor County, with distributions in Dorein, Labrab, Pibor town and Gumruk, Mr. Fominyen said.

Adding that WFP was appealing for funds to purchase more food and cover costs for additional helicopters, Mr. Fominyen said the agency expected donors to respond positively.

WFP was previously using two humanitarian response helicopters funded by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

Despite the additional helicopters, WFP South Sudan Country Director Chris Nikoi said the agency must still overcome massive challenges.

“It is … going to be logistically challenging because the amount of food that we are transporting … is not going to be enough, given the humanitarian needs on the ground,” he said.

“The reality is that this conflict caused the people, especially (around) Pibor, to completely miss the planting season and (they) have not been able to cultivate during this rainy season,” the director added.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that an estimated 100,000 people in Pibor County have been cut off from life-saving assistance due to fighting between state and non-state armed groups and a resurgence of inter-communal clashes.

Mr. Nikoi was concluding a day-long visit to Pibor town to assess humanitarian needs on the ground. He was accompanied by OCHA South Sudan head Vincent Lelei, South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission Chairperson Peter Lam Both and other senior officials.

13 August 2013 - Assisting South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) with its operations, the United States Embassy donated equipment to the force in Juba today.

US Ambassador Susan Page handed over the items, including flashlights, forearm protectors, shin guards and chest protectors, to Minister of Interior and Wildlife Conservation Lt. Gen. Aleu Ayieng Aleu at SSNPS headquarters.

The equipment will also be used by the SSNPS Diplomatic Protection Unit (DPU), established in April 2012, which is responsible for the safety of the international community, including embassies, UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations.

UN Police supported the diplomatic protection training of the first batch of 100 DPU officers, who graduated in October 2012. UN Police also mentored the unit’s officers in the field during deployment.

16 August 2013 – Seeking to highlight the rights of girls, especially to education, UN Police and partners are holding a series of awareness raising events in Rumbek, Lakes State.

The events are focusing on early marriage, child rights, girls’ school enrolment and crime prevention, according to UN Police Facilitator Saika Kamara.

Working with the Ministry of Education, UNICEF and the non-governmental organization Save the Children, UN Police are targeting four Rumbek secondary schools.

In the first workshop on 14 August at Loreto Secondary School, girls said many parents forced their daughters to marry early for the bridal dowry, and urged communities to alter their traditional mindsets.

“The child should be allowed to be in school and … needs to be fed very well and (provided with) health care,” said one of the girls. “Our people believe that if the girl gets married early she can produce more children and that is not really the fact.”

Quoting the wise man’s saying “the success of tomorrow begins today”, other girls said they must attend school so that they could contribute to a better future for their country.

State Director of General Education David Deng Agok agreed that most girls endured early marriage, calling on both government and parents to allow them a chance to be educated.

“If we go through all the schools and get enrolments of girls compared to … boys, enrolment of girls is very low … because it has been affected by early marriage,” the education director said.

Other schools to be included in the programme, which will wind up on 4 September, are Rumbek National, Riak-Dor and Rumbek Town secondary schools.

22 August 2013 - The number of people displaced by flooding and suffering from disease has risen at an alarming rate in Maiwut County, Upper Nile State, according to a delegation that recently visited the area.

The health situation in the county was deteriorating as malaria and waterborne diseases spread through the area, World Health Organization (WHO) Officer Emmanuel Timothy said following the delegation’s assessment on 21 August.

The assessment team comprised representatives of the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC), UNMISS, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, World Food Programme, UNICEF, WHO, World Vision and Solidarity International.

“The number of reported cases of malaria and waterborne diseases such as watery diarrhea is alarming,” Mr. Timothy said. “This is a concern and something has to be done urgently before the situation is out of hand.”

During the visit, WHO handed over anti-malaria, diarrhea kits and chlorine for water treatment to Maiwut County Commissioner Gatdet Bol Bagouang.

“These people need urgent assistance and we, as the humanitarian community, have the obligation to respond quickly to this terrible situation,” said Upper Nile SSRRC Director Peter Pal Chuol.

According to Commissioner Bagouang, the number of people affected by floods in the county had risen from an initial 1,500 to over 18,000.

Some displaced people were living in churches, schools and public centers, the commissioner said. “It is difficult … for those that are outside the county, so we have asked the communities to help them by providing shelter.”

He called on the humanitarian community to urgently provide food and non-food items to affected people.

Led by Commissioner Bagouang, the humanitarian delegation visited several affected areas, witnessing a large number of women and children in a public centre in Maiwut town.

The displaced people there urged the humanitarian community to provide food, plastic sheets and tents.

“We are here suffering with our children,” said Nyahap Luak, one of the displaced. “We do not have food and a place to sleep. We want the humanitarian community to hear our voices and help us out.”

22 August 2013 - A group of fifth-year students at Upper Nile University in Malakal are completing exams this week in two courses an UNMISS Indian battalion veterinarian taught them.

At the request of the university, Lt. Col. Dr. Venkatesh Kumar began teaching theory and practical courses in veterinary surgery and gynecology to the 16 students in May at a clinic he operates on the university grounds.

Upper Nile’s College of Veterinary Science is the only institution to have such a facility co-located for clinical training in South Sudan.

“Various surgical operations like caesarean sections … fracture management and castration are routinely performed at the hospital (Indian clinic) and we have immensely benefited from the facility,” said final-year student Gatwech Pur Dup.

“I used to attend the clinical training at the (Indian) … veterinary hospital even during semester breaks,” he added. “We all have prepared well for the exams and hope to score very high marks.”

Veterinary Professor Bol Deng Chol said Dr. Kumar had also provided learning software in seven subjects and prepared course notes for Animal Breeding and Genetics. “These will go a long way in increasing the teaching efficiency of our staff.”

Dr. Kumar had taken on the load of a full-time lecturer in the faculty in addition to his commitments at the Indian veterinary clinic, noted Veterinary Faculty Dean Dr Samuel Akwoc Abba. “The students and the entire veterinary faculty are indebted to him … for this kind gesture, which has come at a time when we are grappling with a severe shortage of teaching staff.”

The Indian veterinarian also treats 60-80 cases daily and conducts Veterinary Aid Camps in the area. Mass deworming and deticking are carried out free of cost in remote inaccessible areas.

Veterinary camps are conducted in areas identified by the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries and on request from the state or counties. Livestock owners throng the camps to avail their benefits.

19 August 2013 - The second and third batches of 29 registered nurses graduated from the College of Nursing and Midwifery in a colourful ceremony today in Wau, Western Bahr El-Ghazal State.

Attending the event were about 400 government officials, members of the local community and representatives of the UNMISS Chinese and Kenyan battalions.

Chinese troops presented Analects of Confucius (collection of Confucius sayings and ideas) to the students and medical teaching materials to Mary Help Center, where the nursing college is located.

The Chinese also entertained the crowd with traditional cultural performances, including the lion dance and martial arts.

Since 2010, some 30 of the 100 students at the nursing college have been attending several nursing lectures per year at the UNMISS Chinese hospital.

During the event, a foundation stone was also laid for the new Mary Help Hospital, which will be built on the grounds where the graduation was held.

UNMISS Chinese engineers have been assisting with the hospital since 2007, when they transported sand for its compound from the local Jur River. In 2012, they helped clean the compound and elevated as well as compacted it with murram (red, clay-like material) earlier this year.

In future, the Chinese plan to excavate and deliver murram to compact the foundation of new buildings for the College of Nursing and Midwifery.