Without the engaging company of Radio Miraya's programming travelling on the roads in Eastern Lakes is likely to feel rather cumbersome.
During a six-day-long patrol, staff members of the UN Mission in South Sudan were told by communities in Yirol and Mingkaman in the Eastern Lakes area that they want to be able to listen to the news and other programmes aired by Radio Miraya, the peacekeeping mission’s radio station in the country.
The UNMISS patrol team, consisting of staff from units specialized in human rights, child protection and communications and public information, carried out sensitization activities in the Eastern Lakes area last week, including a workshop which drew more than 70 youth and female participants from various communities.
The main objective of the workshop was to explain and clarify the role, priorities and achievements of the UN peacekeeping mission, including the Mission’s impartiality, the tasks of the Regional Protection Force and reporting procedures for human rights violations.
The acting governor of the Eastern Lakes area, Nhail Enock, urged UNMISS to intensify its proactive engagement with youth in cattle camps in order to increase their understanding of and involvement in the peace process.
“I know it’s difficult to reach out to all the cattle keepers as it requires lots of time, energy and overcoming logistical challenges, but try your best,” he said.
The acting governor also appealed to UNMISS to expand the transmission of Radio Miraya to Eastern Lakes in a bid to help the communities get robust and up-to-date information on the ongoing peace process.
Mr. Martin Majok, chairman of the youth association in Yirol, also stressed that sensitization workshops are key to engage the youth in the quest for durable peace.