The United
Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reaffirmed its commitment to
promoting peace and sustainable development in the country.
The United Nations admitted South Sudan as a member on 14 July 2011, the same year the country gained independence.
However,
extreme food insecurity and climate shocks compound the suffering of millions
of people due to conflict.
The people
have yet to experience the full fruits of peace and development.
Speaking at
the commemoration of UN Day, Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS’s force
commander, stated the need for an inclusive and peaceful democratic transition
by focusing efforts to create an enabling environment for elections.
“Our priority
is to help this young nation advance political solutions, durable political
solutions, to achieve lasting peace, development, stability, and democracy,”
Subramanian remarked on Thursday in Juba.
“This
includes building institutional capacities, encouraging open civic and
political space, fostering momentum in drafting a permanent constitution, and
establishing necessary unified forces with an equally necessary unified
leadership.”
Subramanian
stated that the UN is committed to helping the country complete its difficult
but necessary journey from instability to peace.
“As of today,
the United Nations is present on 27 bases across the length and breadth of your
country. Our colleagues from the United Nations agencies, funds, and programs
deliver life-saving aid to the most vulnerable,” Subramanian stated.
He further
added that, “As the United Nations, we build enduring relationships with local
communities and authorities, including traditional leaders, government
counterparts, politicians, law enforcement personnel, military leaders,
security actors, women, children, and the larger civil society for the cause of
peace and progress in this wonderful nation.”
UN Day,
observed on October 24, marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN
Charter in 1945.
Around the
world, people mark this occasion to reflect on the UN's role as a global
organization that offers hope for a better world where all people live in peace
and harmony.
In South Sudan, the day was commemorated under the theme: “Building a Better Future Together".
It
featured an art exhibition and tree planting ceremony in support of
environmental sustainability.