JUBA, South Sudan, January 26, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Eugene Owusu, presided over a medal parade held for the Ghanaian battalion in Bentiu, South Sudan. Up to 300 Ghanaian troops received medals in recognition for their service to UN peacekeeping.
Owusu encouraged the peacekeepers to continue bring hope to the people of South Sudan to continue to work with the communities to alleviate their suffering.
“The situation in South Sudan is difficult at the moment. The world’s youngest country has encountered many challenges since optimism and hope that first came with independence. It is encouraging that the big guns silent, and that the peace process is broadly holding. We cherish and that a Transitional on National Unity will be formed soon to give the long suffering people of South Sudan the opportunity to rebuild their lives and for many South Sudanese the opportunity to live the life of dignity.”
Eugene also advised the peacekeepers to respect the policy on Sexual exploitation and abuse saying that the peacekeepers are here in South Sudan to protect the population.
“The Secretary –General, and United Nations, has a Zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and I would like to remind you of the importance of the exemplary behavior. As the peacekeepers, we must never forgot that we are here to protection and support the people of South Sudan we are here to support peace and help South Sudan people to live in dignity.
He said “It is our individual and collective duty to safeguard the dignity of the people that we are here to support and protect. Everyone from senior mission leadership, commanding officers and young soldiers or staff members — must comply with the policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.”
UNMISS, which was established in 2011, is mandated with the protection of civilians; monitoring and investigating human rights; creating the conditions for delivery of humanitarian assistance; and supporting the Implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Ghana is currently the eight largest contributor of military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping with 3,198 currently deployed worldwide.
