South Sudan has launched two major peacebuilding projects in collaboration with UNDP and UNICEF, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA. These initiatives aim to reduce community violence, empower youth and women, and foster resilience in conflict-prone areas, highlighting the significance of community-centered approaches. The projects include “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities” and “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa.”
In a significant development, the Government of South Sudan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF, has initiated two major peacebuilding projects aimed at mitigating community violence and fostering resilience in areas affected by conflict. These initiatives, financially supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), seek to empower local communities, particularly youth and women, to engage in peacebuilding efforts.
At the launch event held in Juba, Minister of Peacebuilding, Stephen Par Kuol, underscored the necessity of adopting community-centered approaches for lasting peace. He stated, “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 emphasized the leadership’s responsibility to ensure community safety and security.
The first initiative, named “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” is dedicated to diminishing insecurity in the White Nile and Sobat River corridor. With a funding of USD 4 million, this 36-month project will focus on reintegrating conflict-affected youth, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering social cohesion through trauma healing and psychosocial support.
The second project, titled “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” addresses challenges in South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, with a budget of USD 4.8 million. It aims to bolster community resilience and social cohesion among youth and women, with implementation set in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Mohamed Abchir, Resident Representative of UNDP South Sudan, remarked on the projects’ role in tackling the root causes of violence and promoting reconciliation. He expressed gratitude to the Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA for their steadfast support, stating, “We want to thank all our donors and partners for their continued commitment to peace in South Sudan. These projects belong to the people of South Sudan.”
Pia Philip, an undersecretary at the Ministry of Peacebuilding, urged community involvement in the initiatives, aiming to enhance resilience among young people, women, and organized forces while tackling issues posed by checkpoints in the targeted areas. He highlighted the projects’ aim to foster community engagement as a critical step toward sustainable peace.
Additionally, the projects will address violent extremism through the promotion of peace education, counteracting hate speech, and supporting economic empowerment for youth and women. The Peacebuilding Fund Project will implement innovative strategies to manage conflicts effectively while training youth and women to enhance their resilience and participation in the peace process.
The Ministry of Peacebuilding reaffirms commitment to collaboration with civil society and local communities for the success of these initiatives. Minister Par emphasized the importance of reaching out beyond Juba, stating, “Juba is not South Sudan. South Sudan is out there, where our people are.”
Overall, these initiatives are designed to provide socio-economic opportunities, trauma healing, and reconciliation support, fostering self-reliance and resilience among communities. Their launch is timely, given South Sudan’s ongoing challenges with community violence and instability.
The launch of the peacebuilding projects in South Sudan marks a significant step towards addressing community violence and enhancing resilience in conflict-affected areas. Through empowerment of local communities, especially youth and women, these initiatives strive to create sustainable peace. The collaborative efforts of key stakeholders underscore the commitment to addressing violence’s root causes, providing socio-economic opportunities, and ensuring community involvement in peace processes.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
