If Bunia Could Speak: When poetry becomes a space for healing and advocacy for peace
“If Bunia could speak, it will wake up with hope tomorrow. It will ask to stop bleeding. It will ask to breathe peace.” Inside the conference room of MONUSCO’s logistics base in Bunia, these words were spoken in a single voice. They did not come from one poet alone, but from a group of women — community mediators, women’s rights advocates, young leaders and female peacekeepers — gathered for a poetry workshop. The text they were reading had just…
Displaced families in Mundri live in limbo amidst persistent violence between armed forces
The usually quiet church compound in Mundri has turned in a bustling hub of activity with more than 4,000 people crowded together in makeshift shelters. These families have sought sanctuary at the site after being forced to abandon their homes and flee for their lives during military confrontations between armed forces in Greater Mundri a few months ago. Thirty-eight-year-old Aida Stephen is among those struggling to support her family in dire…
UN Security Council extends UNAMA mandate for three months
On 16 March, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2818 (2026), extending UNAMA’s mandate for an additional three months.
Advancing women, peace and security
Members of the Libyan Women’s Caucus hold an online meeting with young women to capture perspectives and recommendations for the Structured Dialogue
TRIPOLI – In an online meeting on Monday 9 March, members of the Structured Dialogue’s (SD) Libyan Women’s Caucus met with around 30 young women from across the country to brief them on their work and hear their perspectives on key issues related to governance, economy, security, national reconciliation and human rights. Supporting effective participation of women of all ages and person with disability in the SD, and ensuring that their concerns…
An UNMISS- supported dialogue seeks to build social cohesion, counter hate speech
JONGLEI - “Information is the backbone of communication. When the public lacks accurate information, rumors and misinformation can quickly spread and create conflict.” This warning from civil society leader Bol Deng Bol reflects growing concern among community leaders in South Sudan’s Jonglei, where peace actors are intensifying efforts to counter hate speech and strengthen peaceful coexistence between communities. A dialogue supported by the…
New Special Protection Unit in Maridi boosts confidence in reporting violence against women
WESTERN EQUATORIA - A newly established Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Maridi a county in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state, has had a tangible impact on increasing women’s protection. This confidential space for community members to report violence against women has led to a noticeable reduction in incidents over the past year. “After the Special Protection Unit was fully functioning, we have seen a distinct increase in reports related to…
In Bor, survivors of sexual violence and abduction finally find safety, support
JONGLEI – “I don’t want to return home. It will only remind me of what we have been through.” Nyakim’s * tragedy began with her husband being killed and her home being burnt down when armed actors attacked her village in northern Jonglei last month. But it didn’t stop there: she and her seven children were abducted by the perpetrators, alongside 22 other women and children. What followed can only be described as a seemingly never-ending nightmare…
Over 13 tons of food items donated for displaced people in Tyre
As part of UNIFIL’s continued efforts to support communities affected by ongoing exchanges of fire in south Lebanon, the mission’s Italian peacekeepers made substantial food donations to internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Tyre last week. On 13 March, peacekeepers delivered more than 13 tons of packaged food items – in addition to essential medical kits, medicines and hygiene kits – to the Disaster Management Unit (DMU) of the Union of Tyre…
Governance
Speech of the SRSG | Exchange Meeting on the Implementation of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to have the opportunity to address a few words to you at the opening of this meeting, at such an important moment for the life of the country. The adoption of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections constitutes an important step in the current phase of the transition. I welcome the presence of representatives of political parties, whether signatories to the National Pact or not, as well…
UN supported training aims to boost electoral readiness
WESTERN EQUATORIA - In Yambio, a message from a disability rights advocate captured the spirit of a new push to ensure every South Sudanese voice is heard in the country’s first elections, currently scheduled for December 2026. “As persons with disabilities, we must be included in planning for elections. It is our constitutional right,” said Moses Louis, Chairperson of the Association of People Living with Disabilities, Western Equatoria. As…
Residents of Kodok county in the Fashoda area of South Sudan had every reason, last week, to be grateful to Indian peacekeepers deployed in the area. For two days, the residents benefitted from a veterinary camp while women…
Citizens in Torit danced with glee during an opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of two new Quick Impact Projects in the town – and they had every reason to do so. Over the past 9 months, the town’s inhabitants have…
Mogadishu - Thirty-seven officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) completed a three-day medical workshop to develop their capacity in the battlefield. The workshop, organized by the United Nations…
Jane Connors, Victims’ Rights Advocate visited Haiti from 22 to 26 April 2018 to learn more about the work done by MINUJUSTH and the UN Country Team to implement the UN Secretary-General’s strategy to prevent and respond to…
SdeM: Sorry for the delay, but it was a very intense and long, and useful, in my opinion, opportunity for expressing various angles of many countries. As you know, Turkey spoke, Iran spoke, and the Syrian Arab Republic. So…
NEW YORK - The UN’s top envoy in Afghanistan said important decisions made now on elections and peace will affect the fundamental fabric of the society and future of Afghanistan. “The Afghan people are scheduled to cast their…
Madam President, Members of the Security Council, There have been several positive developments related to the nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea over recent months…
Boda boda drivers in Yei are hopeful of South Sudan achieving durable peace following the signing of a revitalized peace agreement. The photo was taken in Juba. Boda boda motorcyclists from across Yei town are voicing and…
Representatives of the UN Police Women Network visiting and handing over gifts to a children's hospital in Juba. For anyone being confined to a hospital bed, few things are as pleasant as surprise visitors bringing a little…
Boda boda motorcyclists from across Yei town are voicing and quite possibly honking their support and optimism for a future blessed by durable peace, following the recent signing of the revitalized peace agreement. “Many…
For anyone being confined to a hospital bed, few things are as pleasant as surprise visitors bringing a little something. The UN Police and its Women Network spent a few weekend hours being such benign hospital visitors in…