The Government of South Sudan, in collaboration with UNDP and UNICEF, has introduced two peacebuilding projects designed to reduce community violence and foster resilience. Funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA, these initiatives emphasize community involvement and aim to empower youth and women. The projects will utilize joint efforts to address the root causes of violence and enhance socio-economic conditions.
The Government of South Sudan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF, has launched two significant peacebuilding projects aimed at mitigating community violence and enhancing resilience in areas afflicted by conflict. With funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), these initiatives target the empowerment of local communities, youth, and women to engage actively in peace efforts.
During the launch event in Juba, Minister of Peacebuilding Stephen Par Kuol underscored the necessity of community-centered approaches for sustainable peace. He remarked on the timeliness of these initiatives, stating, “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 highlighted the role of leaders in ensuring safe and secure communities.
The first project, named “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” is designed to diminish insecurity along the White Nile and Sobat River corridor. With a funding of USD 4 million over 36 months, it aims to reintegrate youth affected by conflict, enhance livelihoods, and advance social cohesion through trauma healing and psychosocial support.
The second initiative, entitled “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” covers South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, with a budget of USD 4.8 million. It focuses on strengthening community resilience and social cohesion, particularly among youth and women, and will be implemented in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Mohamed Abchir, UNDP South Sudan’s Resident Representative, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts in tackling violence’s root causes. He stated, “These projects reaffirm our collective commitment to addressing the root causes of violence, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that communities—particularly youth, ex-combatants, and women—have the tools they need to build a peaceful future.” Abchir also highlighted the importance of fostering democratic participation and thanked the supporting partners.
Pia Philip, the Undersecretary at the peacebuilding ministry, urged community involvement in these projects. He noted, “This project aims to build resilience among young people, women, and organized forces, while reducing the challenges posed by checkpoints along the White Nile and Sobat River.” The project also includes educational endeavors to counter violent extremism, hate speech, and to economically empower youth and women.
The Peacebuilding Fund initiative aims to innovate conflict management strategies and augment local conflict prevention mechanisms. The Ministry of Peacebuilding reiterated its commitment to collaborating with civil society and local groups to ensure project success.
The initiatives are anticipated to offer socio-economic opportunities, trauma healing, and reconciliation support, fostering self-reliance within communities. Their launch is timely, as South Sudan grapples with ongoing issues of community violence and instability.
In conclusion, the launch of these multi-million dollar peacebuilding projects in South Sudan represents a crucial step towards reducing community violence and fostering resilience. The initiatives emphasize community engagement and the empowerment of youth and women, aiming for sustained peace. By addressing root causes of conflict and enhancing socio-economic conditions, these projects symbolize hope for a more peaceful future in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
