UN Day was marked across South Sudan’s states today by colourful celebrations featuring cultural dances, drawing competitions, school donations, sporting activities and speeches.

During a ceremony in Kuajok, Warrap State, Acting Governor Akec Tong Aleu praised UNMISS, stating that cordial relations with the mission were a sign of appreciation for its presence and contribution.

He urged the mission to continue its support by sharing early warning system information with state authorities. “If you coordinate and share information of potential crises with us, it will help the government save lives and property.”

Other Warrap officials hailed the mission for living up to its mandate during an UNMISS leadership presentation of the mission’s activities in the state.

Similar sentiments were expressed at an event in Torit, Eastern Equatoria, attended by UN staff and government representatives. Speaking on behalf of the governor, Youth Minister Mark Akio said people of the state were proud to have the UN there.

“We appreciate you and the governments of member states that continue to contribute troops to take part in the peacekeeping operation in South Sudan,” he said.

On 23 October, UNMISS and UN agency staff traveled to Katire, Eastern Equatoria, to hold community outreach events on human rights, gender-based violence and hygiene.

During the activity, Katire women’s leader Santina Mama attributed rising cases of domestic violence to excessive consumption of alcohol by men in the community. “When they get drunk, they start beating their wives,” she said.

“There were cases of domestic violence against women which resulted in suicide because the women could not bear the abuse anymore,” Ms. Mama added. “And there are other women who accept violence committed by partners as something normal.”

The World Food Programme, UNICEF, the UN Refugee Agency and UNMISS also donated drinking buckets, soap, drinking cups, seeds and farming equipment and other items to Katire Primary School.

The Day was celebrated in Malakal, Upper Nile State, with cultural shows performed by South Sudanese tribes as well as Bangladeshi, Rwandese and Ethiopian peacekeepers. UNMISS also held a “Tug of Peace” competition between UN staff and displaced women.

Committee for Peace and Security Chairperson Mathew Chol Jock thanked the UN family for providing security and standing at the side of displaced people during the crisis.