Head of UNMISS stresses need to create conditions for displaced to return home

STORYLINE: A hearty welcome at a Protection of Civilians site in Bor, where hundreds of displaced have gathered to meet the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General, David Shearer who is on a day visit to hear from the community and meet local leaders. Women, men and children have braved the hot African sun, and have gathered to speak their hearts out. Speaking through a translator and a youth leader explained what he and others go through. SOUNDBITE (English) Youth Leader, speaking with translator giving translations in local language “We are tired when we are living in the POC – the dreams of people living outside – the dreams of people living outside, they are dreaming for the good education some of them wishing to … when we are living in the POC our dreams are the AK 47 and boom boom – this is what we have been dreaming about.” Day by day, life for the displaced, has become unbearable, and they yearn for a better life. SOUNDBITE (Nuer) Displaced Woman “The big problem that we have here is very bad. The only issue that can be solved is the need for peace. We need peace. If the peace comes and continues, then people can have free movement and go from place to place. This visit by the Head of the UN in South Sudan, is a ray of hope for the over 2,000 displaced in this State, whose experiences mirror those of 200,000 others displaced countrywide. Shearer’s visit to Jonglei was an opportunity to look at some of the areas the Mission and authorities could work on together to can enable displaced return home. At a meeting with the area Governor, Shearer also applauded efforts of the Jonglei State Governor towards building peace. The two met to assess the situation on the ground, and discussed several issues pertaining to peace building, road improvement and the possibility of voluntary return of the IDPs to their homes. SOUDNBITE (English) Philip Aguer, Jonglei State Governor “We had discussed issues to do with peace building, issues to do with the support of the United Nations Mission on matters to do with rehabilitation of roads, issues of reconciliation and issues of humanitarian access.” Speaking to media at a joint stakeout with the area Governor, David Shearer, said the progress made by the state and UNMISS in building a strong road network in the area will increase economic opportunities for the people and as a result reduce the need for people to fight. He highlighted the need to reduce other hurdles that hinder peace. SOUNDBITE (English) Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, David Shearer “The desire, by many people I know, to leave the POC (Protection of Civilians site) here in Bor, and to return to their homes. We wanted to look at some of the areas that we can work together to remove the obstacles that would enable that to happen. So if we can remove problems that stop people from moving out, whether they be the lack of resources they possess; the fear of insecurity; the fact that humanitarian activity is going on inside the PoC (Protection of Civilian site) and perhaps not outside; their homes that might be occupied by other families – all of these things are obstacles which stop people from returning home, and we would like to see Bor return to the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural peaceful place that it has a long reputation of.” And as the leaders continue to engage; displaced women, men and children will not stop to express their yearning for peace under their difficult circumstances - they hope that their dreams will change, with the reality of peace, economic progress and education. ENDs.