JUBA - When reviewing the stories shared on our different channels in this past year, one thing becomes apparent: our peacekeepers’ efforts are not just connected to but also inspired by the communities that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) came to serve.
Communities like people in the Malakal protection of civilian site that have not surrendered to their challenges but instead created flourishing spaces, transitioning the temporary site into a home.
Like Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese returnees embracing each other at the Renk border town, peacefully providing support as needed to collectively overcome the traumas they have experienced.
Children like Aluel Mochnom Wuor that teach us wisdom not defiled by conflict, shaping the way forward for generations to come. As does cattle herder Makur Magor Bok who decided to believe in the law instead of guns, inspiring his fellow community members to follow his footsteps.
The many South Sudanese women that transform their disadvantages into strength, becoming the type of leaders and gender champions they wish they would have had in their lives.
Tragically enough, some women and girls suffer from the consequences of living in a male-dominated society to such an extent that they choose to end their own lives. However painful this topic is to talk about, UNMISS colleagues in Warrap did initiate an all-women conversation about it, its causes and what can be done to minimize suicides.
It is stories like this, based on the encounters with different people, different communities, all across the country that ignite a motivation that goes beyond fulfilling the UNMISS mandate.
Even with ongoing budget cuts, they serve as reminders that peacekeeping is not about material things but real human beings at its core.
Such as to the peacekeepers in Renk that immediately responded to a woman running for her friend’s life who was buried alive and didn’t stop until they saved him.
Or the women and men clearing land, building dykes, repairing roads or bringing justice to people that gave up believing that they mattered enough.
Unexpectedly spend months at a remote temporary base, motivated by the communities around them and the determination to provide them at least with some sense of safety to extend their stay to as long as necessary.
Building not just bridges but buildings, so children won’t be afraid to go to school and prisoners receive the same dignity and opportunities the UN Charter assigns to every human being.
Bringing joy to those they can’t stop caring about, during the holidays and every other day.
Together, peacekeepers and South Sudanese communities have collaborated, cried and connected in ways that are difficult to put in words.
As the year is ending, their stories serve as a reminder that every encounter is a chance to become the change we would like to see in this world.
By Jaella Brockmann
