The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has taken a number of steps to improve security at its ‘protection of civilians sites’ in UN bases across the country. The objective is to ensure the safety for the around 65,000 displaced persons and the surrounding communities, and maintain the civilian nature of the sites.
An array of security measures have been put in place. Weapon searches have now been undertaken in all the main bases, in Juba, Bor, Bentiu and Malakal. This has been done by UN Police supported by UNMISS military forces, including ‘combing’ the areas with metal detectors. Joint UN Police and military patrols are taking place inside and in the immediate vicinity of all the sites, while troops are guarding the perimeter of UNMISS compounds.
Fencing, berms and ditches have been built, and displaced persons coming in and out are systematically screened and controlled. Further security measures to strengthen the perimeters of the camps are also underway.
Another 63 additional UN police personnel arrived yesterday, bringing the total number of UNPOL reinforcements to 315. With a last group coming next Friday, the additional more robust and armed police units authorized by the Security Council in December will be completed. They will deploy in Formed Police Units to UNMISS bases in Juba, Malakal and Bentiu.
To address all security concerns, the UN Police (UNPOL) Commissioner is regularly meeting with the South Sudan Police Inspector General and in Juba with the Central Equatorian Police Commissioner.
The congestion of the sites also poses a challenge to the safety of civilians. Yesterday UNMISS started moving newly arrived displaced persons from the UN Tomping compound to the protection site at UN House where space is still available. Several hundred have now changed location.
UNMISS wants to reiterate its impartiality in the ongoing conflict, and in the implementation of its mandate to protect all civilians, irrespective of who they are, where they come from and what their ethnic background is.
For further information or media enquiries,
Spokesperson: Ariane Quentier - quentier@un.org +211 912 177 770