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UNMISS and South Sudanese MPs work together in partnership for peace

UNMISS and South Sudanese MPs work together in partnership for peace

Members of Parliament within the Jubek Transitional Legislative Assembly have committed to working in partnership with the UN Mission in South Sudan to build durable peace.

A two-day forum was organised by UNMISS for the 21 members of the Legislative Assembly to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), an agreement between UNMISS and the Government signed in 2011.  

The SOFA requires UNMISS to respect all local laws and regulation and to conduct its operation with full respect for the principles and rules of international conventions that apply to the conduct of military personnel. The Government of South Sudan is also required to comply with those principles and rules.

The forum also covered the Mission’s mandate to protect civilians and build durable peace as well as issues of gender in a conflict zone, human rights, protection of civilians, conflict mitigation and management, and political process.

The legislators said the opportunity of coming together with UNMISS on a path to peace was a collective responsibility.

“We cannot achieve this unless we sensitize the people about the process for peace along with the UNMISS mandate,” said Hon Elizabeth Enoka, chairperson of Commission for Agriculture. “We know the core responsibility of this country, the protection of civilians, is with the government but through your support, we will be able to achieve tangible peace in South Sudan.”

She said the focus of the parliamentarians would be to reduce human rights violations and gender-based violence.

Speaking to the lawmakers, UNMISS’ chief legal advisor, Ibukunolu Babajide, stressed the importance of the SOFA.

“It’s the basis for cooperation between the government and UNMISS. It was agreed by the Government of South Sudan, and it cannot be amended unilaterally.”

Under the SOFA, UN personnel and equipment have freedom of movement throughout South Sudan. The UN is exempt from all direct taxes and customs duties. It also has the right to operate UN radio stations and its communications staff should not be prevented from carrying out their duties unless there are national security implications.

The forum participants discussed the responsibilities of the government to comply with SOFA, cooperate with UNMISS, guarantee safety of UN personnel, ensure freedom of movement, allow access for humanitarian aid and to hold accountable those committing violations.

“The Government of South Sudan and UNMISS can pave the way to lasting peace by working and talking together as partners with mutual respect, in cooperation and good faith, negotiating when disagreements arise and abiding by the rule of law,” said Ibukunolu Babjide.

The importance of upholding human rights and support for communities in conflict was also raised. The ultimate goal is to create positive change and an environment where everyone can enjoy peace and rights and violators are held accountable. Key to this is regular engagement with local police and military forces, religious, political and community leaders.

“We reach out to communities but we also welcome communities to reach out to us with their concerns, as different stakeholders from various areas play a huge role,” said Irantzu Pinillos, UNMISS Human Rights Officer.

The Jubek State MPs reiterated their concern about the people of South Sudan and took note of the challenges UNMISS faces in fulfilling its mandate.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Kenyi Tombe, said the forum had enabled MPs to better explain those challenges to their constituents.

“I strongly appreciate UNMISS’ concern in upgrading the standard of the honourable MPs in understanding its operation mechanisms and building their capacities to be able to effectively participate as partners in the peacebuilding process,” he said.