Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Eastern Equatoria State Winnie Babihuga (left) during celebrations to mark the World Refugee Day in Torit. [Gurtong/ Peter Lokale Nakimangole]
By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 23 June 2012 [Gurtong] – Heads of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) told celebrations to mark the World Refugee Day early this week that the two will collaborate with the state government to boost development in the state.
The UNMISS boss in the state Winnie Babihuga said the UN will adapt to initiatives as determined by the people’s needs.
She disclosed that despite the numerous developmental challenges being faced in the state, closer collaboration of development actors will ensure more development.
“The new UNMISS mandate tasks us to step up efforts to support the Government in consolidating peace, building stability, helping the state authorities to protect the most vulnerable communities and facilitating development progress by UN agencies and NGOs”, she said.
She said UNMISS will also work towards ensuring political transition and peace consolidation through inclusiveness in governance.
“Respect for human rights, protection of vulnerable women and children and encouraging democratic transition are among the key issues in UNMISS’ mandates”, she said.
The State Minister of Social Development, Culture, Youth and Sports Patrick Lodinga Kotein and his Parliamentary Affairs counterpart Clement Chichim Laku commended the various UN agencies for their efforts in supporting development in the state.