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Story
11 July 2024
South Sudan Launches the Women’s Charter in Juba: Empowering Women's Voices for Constitutional Inclusion
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Story
25 June 2024
South Sudan ensures inclusivity in the preparatory process of the 2024 Voluntary National Review.
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Press Release
23 April 2024
United Nations in South Sudan calls for urgent release of trucks carrying fuel and other critical supplies after Government commits to rescinding tax demands.
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in South Sudan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are also the goals the UN is working for in South Sudan:
Publication
24 February 2023
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK (UNSDCF)
The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2025 is the embodiment of this commitment. Created in collaboration with representatives of the Government, civil society (including NGOs, CSOs, academia and media), the private sector as well as development partners, it is designed to address the national priorities of today as well as prepare for and advance on the bright future planned for tomorrow. It therefore contains support for implementation of the Revitalized-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Revised National Development Strategy (R-NDS) 2021-2024, with strengthened linkages to our humanitarian work under the Humanitarian Response Plan corresponding to the period of the Cooperation Framework.
The UNSDCF 2023-2025 defines the collective vision and response of the UN Country Team in South Sudan to the country’s national priorities as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As Resident Coordinator of the UN in South Sudan,
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Publication
04 July 2022
2021 UN Country Annual Results Report South Sudan
Throughout the year, the UNCT has enjoyed high-level dialogue with the government on a number of key humanitarian, peace and sustainable development concerns. For example, the National Food Systems Dialogues were used to inform global discussions at the UN’s General Assembly and the UNCT provided financial and technical support for the development of a National Youth Strategy currently at the legislature. The Strategy will support the protection and promotion of the human rights of every young person, empowering each to build their resilience, achieve their potential and make positive contributions as agents of change in South Sudan.
Other key achievements worthy of mention include the mobilization of USD 11.7 million from the UN’s Peacebuilding Support Office for three key initiatives related to provisions under the Revised-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS): the drafting of the permanent constitution, community action for peaceful resolution; and transitional Justice. A Peacebuilding Fund Secretariat has been established in the RCO to provide coordination and oversight of the projects.
Further, the UNCT facilitated the set-up of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Forum, the establishment of governance administration across the 10 States and 3 administrative areas and organization of the fifth Governance forum. The latter identified 20 key actions including addressing floods, mitigating the effects of climate change and expediting the training, graduation and deployment of a unified force.
Regarding Gender and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) several initiatives are at advanced stage with the UN’s support, including the drafting of policy documents for a Women’s Development Fund, the Anti-GBV Bill signalling an end to impunity for SGBV perpetrators, plus the Strategic National Action Plan on Elimination of Child Marriage. The UNCT has also provided technical support to the government for the review of the National Development Strategy (R-NDS), conduct of fragility assessments and formulation of State Plans.
These will inform medium to long-term development priorities and help to reinvigorate the aid architecture in South Sudan. Assistance from the UN has also enabled the Government to make progress on Public Finance Management (PFM) reforms building trust and yielding direct benefits. The World Bank has availed a USD 34 million grant to Government to advance PFM reforms, strengthen key oversight institutions, improve budget transparency and related outcomes in the country.
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Story
22 December 2020
UN agencies’ alarm at worsening hunger in South Sudan
Three United Nations organizations are calling for immediate humanitarian access to parts of South Sudan’s Pibor County in Jonglei State, where people have run out of food and are facing catastrophic levels of hunger according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released today.
The high levels of hunger are being driven by insecurity, the effects of COVID-19, the economic crisis, and the impact of flooding on livelihoods, the report said. Humanitarian assistance is needed to save lives and avert a total collapse of livelihoods in hard-to-reach areas.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are scaling up their response, along with other humanitarian aid organizations.
“We call on all parties to stop the violence and to ensure safe humanitarian access in order to prevent an already dire situation from turning into a full-blown catastrophe,” FAO Representative in South Sudan Meshack Malo said.
“We are extremely concerned about the increased numbers of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. These children need urgent treatment to prevent them from dying. The data leave us with no doubt about the sense of urgency for all of us - Government, donor community and humanitarian actors - to join hands and ensure all these children get the treatment they need. At the same time, we need to invest more in actions to prevent children from becoming malnourished in the first place,” UNICEF Representative in South Sudan Mohamed Ayoya said.
“WFP is extremely worried about the rising numbers of people suffering because of the lack of sufficient food and nutrition, intensified conflict, unprecedented flooding and high food prices. The coming year will be extremely tough, but we are determined to do all we can to reach more people for longer periods of time," said Makena Walker, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme in South Sudan.
Extreme hunger in parts of Pibor county
Figures in today’s report estimate that between October and November, 6.5 million people in South Sudan faced severe acute food insecurity and are in need of urgent assistance. This number is projected to grow to 7.24 million between April and July 2021.
Today’s report comes after two independent reports published by the IPC Global Support Unit last week which indicated that tens of thousands of people are likely to face famine conditions in Pibor county. In this situation, many families are experiencing high levels of acute malnutrition and even mortality. In another five counties (Akobo, Aweil South, Tonj East, Tonj North and Tonj South), some communities are facing catastrophic conditions, the independent analysis found.
Around 1.4 million children aged between 6 months and 5 years are expected to be acutely malnourished in 2021 and will need life-saving treatment, according to today’s report. This includes 313 000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and more than a million children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition. At the same time, 483 000 pregnant or breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished and in need of treatment.
Emergency response
WFP has already begun scaling up its lifesaving food and nutritional assistance to critically food insecure areas in Pibor County as well as other areas of concern, extending its humanitarian response beyond the usual lean season and increasing the number of vulnerable people who need support. In the past two months, WFP has extended its food assistance to nearly 80,000 people in Pibor County. Meanwhile, in Akobo East more than 40,000 people are currently receiving food assistance. WFP will continue to scale up its emergency food response working with partners to build community resilience and development. In total, WFP has provided food assistance to five million people in need in South Sudan in 2020.
UNICEF will further scale up its interventions supporting therapeutic treatment and stabilization centres in the most affected counties to protect and save children’s lives. This year, UNICEF has already treated 170,000 children affected by severe acute malnutrition, with a 94 per cent recovery rate. Further expansion of services is now urgently needed - including to insecure areas - for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition. UNICEF will continue to address the underlying causes of malnutrition such as malaria and diarrheal diseases caused by a lack of clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and investing in prevention of malnutrition through promotion of breastfeeding and good feeding practices for the young child.
FAO’s priority is to assist farming and agro-pastoral communities to increase their production and preserve their livelihoods. So far in 2020, over 100 000 farming families have received support to grow their own food from seeds, and more than 5 million animals have been vaccinated and treated to assist 164 000 households. FAO has also distributed 800 tonnes of emergency animal feed for critical animal stocks, especially in flood-affected locations.
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Publication
04 July 2022
South Sudan Business Operations Strategy 2019-2021 Report
The BOS focuses on common services that are implemented jointly or delivered by one UN entity on behalf of one or more other UN entities. Common services for future collaboration were identified in the areas of Common Human Resources services, Common Finance services, Common Procurement services, Common Administration services and including common Facilities/Premises, Common ICT services, Common Logistics services. The following UN Agencies are participating in the South Sudan BOS: ILO, IFAD, UNS- DSS, UNS - UNMISS, UNS - UNODC, UN, UNDP, UNESCO, UNS - OHCHR, IOM, UNS - OCHA, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNS - UN Habitat, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNOPS, UNS - UNEP, UN WOMEN, WHO, WFP, FAO, UNS- RCOs.
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Publication
04 July 2022
2021 UN Country Annual Results Report South Sudan
Throughout the year, the UNCT has enjoyed high-level dialogue with the government on a number of key humanitarian, peace and sustainable development concerns. For example, the National Food Systems Dialogues were used to inform global discussions at the UN’s General Assembly and the UNCT provided financial and technical support for the development of a National Youth Strategy currently at the legislature. The Strategy will support the protection and promotion of the human rights of every young person, empowering each to build their resilience, achieve their potential and make positive contributions as agents of change in South Sudan.
Other key achievements worthy of mention include the mobilization of USD 11.7 million from the UN’s Peacebuilding Support Office for three key initiatives related to provisions under the Revised-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS): the drafting of the permanent constitution, community action for peaceful resolution; and transitional Justice. A Peacebuilding Fund Secretariat has been established in the RCO to provide coordination and oversight of the projects.
Further, the UNCT facilitated the set-up of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Forum, the establishment of governance administration across the 10 States and 3 administrative areas and organization of the fifth Governance forum. The latter identified 20 key actions including addressing floods, mitigating the effects of climate change and expediting the training, graduation and deployment of a unified force.
Regarding Gender and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) several initiatives are at advanced stage with the UN’s support, including the drafting of policy documents for a Women’s Development Fund, the Anti-GBV Bill signalling an end to impunity for SGBV perpetrators, plus the Strategic National Action Plan on Elimination of Child Marriage. The UNCT has also provided technical support to the government for the review of the National Development Strategy (R-NDS), conduct of fragility assessments and formulation of State Plans.
These will inform medium to long-term development priorities and help to reinvigorate the aid architecture in South Sudan. Assistance from the UN has also enabled the Government to make progress on Public Finance Management (PFM) reforms building trust and yielding direct benefits. The World Bank has availed a USD 34 million grant to Government to advance PFM reforms, strengthen key oversight institutions, improve budget transparency and related outcomes in the country.
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Story
11 July 2024
South Sudan Launches the Women’s Charter in Juba: Empowering Women's Voices for Constitutional Inclusion
On May 29, the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW) in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace Building and UN Women launched the South Sudan Women’s Charter in Juba. This landmark event was followed by a dissemination conference on May 30-31. The Charter aims to enable women and girls to engage meaningfully with the Reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (R-NCRC) and influence the Permanent Constitution-making process. Moreover, it will be a great tool for advocating for a gender-responsive electoral process and equal representation in political parties.The launch was attended by prominent figures including Hon. Mary Nawai, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Aya Benjamin Warille Libo, Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare; Hon. Pia Philip Michael, Undersecretary, Ministry of Peace Building; H.E. Marjan Schippers, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Ms. Kiki Gbeho, DSRSG/RC/HC; Ms. Sarah Hendriks, Director of Policy, Program and Intergovernmental Division at UN Women HQ New York; Dr. Maxime Houinato, Regional Director at UN Women ESARO; Dr. Paulina Chiwangu, UN Women Country Representative South Sudan; Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, Deputy Country Representative UN Women South Sudan; alongside other government officials, UN agency representatives, women leaders, civil society members, and the media.The Women’s Charter consolidates the demands, priorities, and concerns of women and girls across twelve thematic areas, including political participation, education, family rights, property ownership, health, economic and social welfare, equality, protection against GBV, access to justice, environmental security, and public finance management reforms. The Charter serves as a crucial tool to enshrine gender equality, eliminate discrimination, and ensure a 50% gender quota for women’s participation across all government levels.The Charter is the result of extensive consultations at both national and state levels with diverse stakeholders, including women’s groups, civil society organizations, legal professionals, parliamentarians, schoolgirls, chiefs, persons with disabilities, elderly women, women in business, and government officials.The Charter is the result of extensive consultations at both national and state levels with diverse stakeholders, including women’s groups, civil society organizations, legal professionals, parliamentarians, schoolgirls, chiefs, persons with disabilities, elderly women, women in business, and government officials.Ms. Sarah Hendriks, Director for the Policy, Programme, Intergovernmental Division highlighted the Charter's significance, stating, “The Charter is timely and one of the most appropriate strategies to enhance the participation of women and girls in the constitution-making process. UN Women is hopeful that the Charter will empower women and girls to engage meaningfully with the National Constitutional Review Commission, addressing their diverse concerns collectively.” Hon. Mary Nawai, Minister for Parliamentarian Affairs, “launch of the Women’s Charter represents a vital step in empowering women in politics and leadership. Developed through extensive consultations, the Charter consolidates the priorities and demands of women and girls for inclusion in the permanent constitution. Empowerment entails providing the necessary resources, skills, and a supportive environment to ensure women's meaningful engagement in the constitution-making process and beyond." Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho UN Deputy Special Representative and Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator, remarked, "The South Sudan Women's Charter is a significant milestone in advancing women's rights in our country. Congratulations to all the women and men who generously contributed to its development, consolidating the priorities of women and girls in the constitution-making process".Hon. Pia Philip Michael Undersecretary Ministry of Peacebuilding stressed "The Women’s Charter aims to amplify the voices of our women, ensuring their contributions are meaningful. I urge our government and international partners to turn these voices into actionable realities. The Charter tackles crucial issues such as marriage and family, prepares our girls and boys for the future, and ensures that men are not left behind"H.E. Marjan Schippers expressed confidence that the Charter would ensure a gender-sensitive and inclusive permanent constitutionFollowing the launch, the Charter will be disseminated at the subnational level to raise awareness and encourage women’s participation in the constitution-making process. The MGCSW plans to submit copies of the Charter to the leadership of the R-NCRC, NEC, and PPC to ensure women’s concerns are considered in the permanent constitution, electoral process, and political party regulations.Through this initiative, South Sudan takes a significant step toward gender equality, empowering women and girls to shape the future of their nation.
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Story
27 June 2024
South Sudan ensures inclusivity in the preparatory process of the 2024 Voluntary National Review.
South Sudan will present its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) in the 2024 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in July.The VNR will assess the progress the country has made in implementing its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development amid climate change risks and soaring economic crisis. Regular preparation of VNRs facilitates sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The VNRs also seek to strengthen policies and institutions of governments and to mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.South Sudan is among 44 countries which are set to present their VNRs at the HLPF under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The process of preparing the VNR is spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and planning, with support from the United Nations Country Team led by the Office of the Resident Coordinator in South Sudan. To start off the process and ensure an inclusive and a participatory process, the Ministry of Finance and Planning in partnership with the UN, established a working group comprised of focal persons from the line ministries and UN agencies, Funds and programs. This team brainstormed and agreed on the structure of the report and SDGs that the review will focus on. Sustainable Development Goals: 2: Zero Hunger, 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education, 13: Climate Action and 16: Peace, Justice and strong institutions demonstrating impact on SDG 1: No poverty was selected for the review. An official launch event, announcing the exercise to the public was convened bringing together over one hundred people including government ministers, UN representatives, civil society representatives, representatives of women and youth groups, among others. The participants at the launch ceremony jointly set the tone for the VNR review. An exercise that will enable South Sudan to evidently know her stand as far as the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is concerned and chat a way forward to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. To further bring on board the views and contributions from all stakeholders, consultations with various groups including UN, government, women and youth groups, Head of Parliament Committees and Council of State representatives have been planned. It is envisioned that deliberations from these consultations will further enrich the Voluntary National Review Report, painting a realistic picture of the SDGs in South Sudan. The consultations will also bring out new innovations that would help expedite the implementation of the Sustainable Development goals, bringing in better results for People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.
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Story
11 March 2024
How a South Sudanese farmer is growing her income.
In South Sudan, women and children suffer most from hunger due to years of conflict and the struggling economy. Female-headed households face even more challenges. Young girls are sometimes married off at an early age or are compelled to care for their siblings.Joice Poni Regelio, a 38-year-old mother of four, runs a farm to support her family in Aru Junction Village. In this interview, she explains how support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) is transforming lives in her area of Central Equatoria State. She’s among the women and girls undergoing training, attending markets, and receiving farm tools and inputs through an ITC programme.Question: What do you need?Answer: I want to grow and expand my business. For that to happen, I need a proper market stall. Then I can keep more supplies, and make sure that I stay safe, along with my clients and my produce.I am only human. Sometimes when things get really hard, I think of giving up – just like several other women here have done. If there is an organization that can bring us women together, encourage us and give us emotional support, I believe that will keep us going. Question: What are some of your successes?Answer: First of all, I would like to thank ITC for extending this great support to the people of South Sudan. Before this project, I operated without planning and budgeting. I didn’t know anything about saving.But through this project, I learned why saving is important. Now, I can plan and save. Also, my sales have increased, thanks to the monthly trade fairs organized for us in Juba. During the trade fairs, I sell in one day what would otherwise take me a week to sell by the roadside in Aru Junction Village.And with support from this project, I’ve gotten loans. This has helped me expand my production and raise my income. As a result, my children now go to a good school in Kenya, and I can provide for their basic needs. I hope the project continues to support me and other women, so we can keep growing and learning by improving our skills and knowledge. Question: What is your message to other women entrepreneurs?Answer: My message to fellow South Sudanese women, and especially single mothers, is to be financially secure and independent. Today, many women silently go through domestic violence in their homes because they are not financially stable. They are always afraid to lose what the family gives. I advise my fellow women to work hard towards achieving that, break loose from the chain of dependency, stand up, and make bold decisions for themselves.About the ProjectThe International Trade Centre’s South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development project aims to increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and employment opportunities for the South Sudanese population engaged in the fruit and vegetable subsector.The European Union-funded project contributes to addressing the value addition, competitiveness, job creation and trade development challenges of South Sudan. Specifically, the interventions of the project are expected to improve productive capacities and compliance to standards for MSMEs, increase market linkages for MSMEs and enhance employability and entrepreneurship capacity for the South Sudanese labor force, focusing on youth and women.
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Story
11 April 2024
Five New Counties in South Sudan to Benefit from the productive safety net project, ‘Shabaka Meisha’
The Government of the Republic of South Sudan through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare extends the World Bank-funded Productive Safety Net for Socio-economic Opportunities Project (SNSOP), which has been popularly named as ‘Shabaka Meisha’, to five new counties across South Sudan. These include Mundri West, Pochalla, Aweil West, Maban, and Pariang, which increases the outreach of Shabaka Meisha to 15 selected counties. The former 10 counties where the project has already been launched are Juba, Kapoeta East, Tonj South, Torit, Bor, Pibor, Gogrial West, Raja, Melut, and Yei. Shabaka Meisha is a US$129 million World Bank-funded four-year project implemented by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW), with the implementation support of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project will benefit more than 96,000 vulnerable households, including refugees and host communities, in target counties through cash transfers and income- generating livelihood opportunities, while also strengthening the effectiveness of the national safety net delivery system. The official launch of the project in Mundri West, Western Equatoria which is one of the five new counties is being presided over today i.e. 7 March 2024 by National Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Honorable Aya Benjamin Libo Warille. This will be the first Government-led social safety net project in Mundri West County and Western Equatoria State. Honorable Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Aya Benjamin Warille, was joined from Juba by high-level dignitaries from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security along with two members of the Transitional National parliament representing Mundri West County in Western Equatoria State as well as the Program Coordinator from UNOPS. “I am excited to inaugurate Shabaka Meisha in Mundri West. The project will have a strong gender focus in an effort to tackle gender gaps and enhance women's empowerment by ensuring that 65% of the targeted project beneficiaries are women. Activities under the complementary social measures targeted at mothers and female caregivers will also equip female beneficiaries with necessary knowledge and capacity to make better decisions on WASH, nutrition practices and early childhood support. The project will also contribute to achieving gender parity by ensuring meaningful female participation in local community structures established by the project promoting women's voices and agency in the community” Said Honorable Aya Benjamin Warille, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. The project was officially launched in August 2023 at the national level in Juba and builds on the successes and lessons of World Bank-supported predecessor projects, including the Safety Net and Skills Development Project (SNSDP) and South Sudan Safety Net Project (SSSNP). Since the national launch, the project focused on setting up the structures, systems and implementation arrangements that are necessary for the project’s implementation. Shabaka Meisha will provide cash assistance to poor and vulnerable households to meet immediate consumption gaps and build resilience to withstand future shocks. Targeted beneficiaries will participate in climate smart Labor-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) or in behavioral change communications training that aim to promote human capital development. The project will also sensitize and train households on Financial Literacy, Water Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Early Childhood Development (ECD) helping to improve their overall well-being.
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Story
11 April 2024
Empowering Women for a Brighter Future: South Sudan Celebrates International Women’s Day 2024 in Mundri
In a transformative celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, UN Women South Sudan in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, UN agencies and stakeholders orchestrated a monumental event that brought together women from every corner of the nation at Mundri Stadium on March 8, 2024. Under this year’s National theme “Empowering Women: Accelerating Progress in South Sudan.” The gathering served as a catalyst for change, advocating for gender equality and honoring the remarkable achievements of women nationwide. The event, graced by distinguished guests including Governor Alfred Futiyo Karaba of Western Equatoria, Undersecretaries, Directors, Gender Focal Persons, and representatives from national line ministries, UN agencies (UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO and UNESCO headed by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, and various civil society organizations, the gathering exemplified a collective commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women. Minister of Gender Child, and Social Welfare Aya Benjamin Warile, delivered an impassioned address, urging women to embrace their inherent strength and resilience. She emphasized the urgency of empowering girls and women to break free from the shackles of discrimination, declaring, “it is time for women to rise, assert their rights, and shatter the barriers that hold them back.”Governor Afred Futiyo Karaba echoed Minister Warile’s sentiments, applauding the indomitable spirit of South Sudanese women and acknowledging the challenges they face, declared, “Today, we honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to our society. Let us stand together in solidarity and commit to dismantling the patriarchal structures that seek to diminish their voices.” Deputy Special Representative and UN Resident Coordinator, Anita Kiki Gbeho of UN Women underscored the -importance of accelerating gender inclusion and providing women with access to resources and opportunities. She emphasized, “Empowering women is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. By harnessing the potential of women, we unlock the key to sustainable development and prosperity for all.” The Deputy Country Representative, Rukaya Mohammed of UN Women South Sudan expressed, 'Today, as we stand in Mundri to celebrate International Women's Day, we are reminded of the strength and resilience that women of South Sudan embody. Their courage in the face of adversity is not just inspiring—it's a beacon of hope for a future where equality isn't just aspired to but lived. Let's commit to making that future a reality, for every woman and girl in South Sudan and beyond.”Christine Sitty, the Chairperson of a Women's group in Mundri, voiced the collective sentiments of the women, urging them with the reminder, "It is the right of everyone to move freely without fear." As the event concluded, participants left inspired and invigorated, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, UN Women South Sudan continue to champion the cause of women’s empowerment, creating a more equitable and inclusive society. International Women’s Day 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, propelling South Sudan towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all. As Minister Warille eloquently stated,” when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. Let us continue to march forward together, united in our pursuit of a world where every woman and girl realize her full potential.”
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Press Release
23 April 2024
United Nations in South Sudan calls for urgent release of trucks carrying fuel and other critical supplies after Government commits to rescinding tax demands.
JUBA, 23 April 2024 - The United Nations in South Sudan acknowledges the assurance given today by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs that the imposition of taxes on trucks carrying fuel and other supplies does not apply to UN humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping operations or to the diplomatic community.However, we remain concerned that our fuel trucks are still being held up at various depots and the border. Until they are released, the UN will not be able to conduct many of its activities in support of vulnerable communities across the country.The situation is critical. The fuel reserves of the UN and its agencies, funds, and programmes are running out. This will prevent the delivery of millions of dollars of aid during a severe humanitarian crisis and divert already stretched funding provided by donors and other Member States to assist the people of South Sudan. Humanitarian airdrops have already been suspended, affecting 60,000 people in need. UNMISS itself is also forced to review peacekeeping patrols, road repairs, construction of police stations, schools, and health centers, as well as reduce support to peace and electoral processes.“While we acknowledge the Government’s confirmation of its intention to end the blockade of our trucks, we now need urgent action to get the trucks moving to ensure our support for South Sudan does not grind to a halt,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom.
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Press Release
15 April 2024
South Sudan launches discussions of the First Voluntary National Review of the SDGs
The government of South Sudan in partnership with the United Nations Country Team, today launched discussions on the 2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Agok Makur Kur highlighted that South Sudan's first VNR will focus on SDG2: Zero Hunger, SDG3: Good Health and wellbeing, SDG4: Quality Education, SDG 13 Climate Action and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. He underscored the need for the country to diversify the economy and tap into other resources in addition to the exportation of crude oil to accelerate efforts to enhance the achievement of the SDGs.He also called on all partners and stakeholders to support the realization of peace in the country. "Peace will enable our people to return home and participate in national development through agriculture, facilitating the achievement of SDG 1 and 2" said Hon. Agok Makur Kur. Speaking at the launch event, the Deputy Representative of the Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC) Anita Kiki Gbeho, emphasized that the SDGs represent a blueprint for transformative change, offering a roadmap towards a world free from poverty, inequality, and injustice. "As the UN supports South Sudan to embark on its Voluntary National Review process, we recognize the significance of assessing our collective efforts towards achieving the SDGs and identifying areas for improvement. This review will not only showcase achievements but also shed light on the challenges that lie ahead" the DSRSG/RC/HC said, reaffirming UN in South Sudan's commitment to working with the government of South Sudan to expedite the SDGs implementation.The main objective of the workshop was to join efforts, share ideas in support of the preparation of the first VNR. This launch is the first part of a series of discussions that will inform the VNR report for South Sudan."The journey towards sustainable development requires a vision and clear strategic direction. As we stand at this critical juncture in our nation's history, it is imperative that we chart a course forward that not only addresses the immediate needs of our people but also ensures the long-term prosperity and wellbeing of future generations." said the Minister of Peace Building Hon. Stephen Par Kuol.The launch brought together high -level representatives of the government of South Sudan, civil society organization, stakeholders, policy makers and development experts and UN partners to initiate a dialogue on the progress made towards the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development in South Sudan. The result of the review will be presented at the High -Level Political Forum (HLPF) under the auspices of the UN Sustainable Development Economic and Social Council (ESCOC)
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Press Release
11 March 2024
Urgent action needed to address South Sudan’s forgotten crisis, says UNDP Crisis Chief
South Sudan is facing an escalating crisis marked by conflict, climate change, displacement, and soaring living costs, pushing millions of its people to the brink. Urgent intervention is imperative to alleviate suffering and chart a path towards a more prosperous future, said UNDP’s Crisis Chief from Juba today. Recent projections reveal alarming statistics, with approximately 7.1 million out of South Sudan's 12.4 million population expected to endure crisis-level hunger during the upcoming lean season, starting in a month. Moreover, nine million individuals require humanitarian assistance this year, half of whom are children. Shockingly, less than one in ten have access to electricity, while 70 percent lack basic healthcare services.United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Development Program Crisis Bureau Director, Shoko Noda, visited South Sudan this week, bearing witness to the country’s deepening crisis. In Malakal, where hundreds of thousands have sought refuge since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan last April, ASG Noda observed firsthand how the large-scale displacement is exacerbating existing challenges in the country."As the world's attention is drawn elsewhere, the people of South Sudan are enduring unimaginable hardship, grappling with ongoing conflict, mass displacement, the ravages of climate change, and an exorbitant cost of living that renders basic necessities unattainable for many. The impact is devastating," remarked ASG Noda. "South Sudan urgently requires increased development support that empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of crisis and build safer, more stable, and prosperous lives."During her visit, ASG Noda engaged with senior officials, including Vice President of the Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak Mayom, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General to South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, alongside key UN partners and donors.ASG Noda reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to work with the Government of South Sudan and partners to provide critical development support. UNDP is working in all South Sudanese states, and at the national level, to strengthen the institutions responsible for building a safer, more peaceful and prosperous society. To respond to the deepening displacement crisis, UNDP has supported the creation of the National Coordination and Operations Centre, which will coordinate emergency, humanitarian and ‘durable solutions’ response; as well as the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), to strengthen their ability to respond to the rapid population rise due to the Sudan conflict and deliver essential services to those in need.At the local level, UNDP is working with local authorities to provide the essential foundations for building resilience. This includes strengthening access to justice, essential service delivery, and peacebuilding. In Malakal, ASG Noda visited activities focused on strengthening youth engagement and empowerment. Young people she met spoke to how such activities were creating a sense of hope, while helping overcome tensions within the community and address trauma. Interventions such as these are critical in addressing the underlying triggers for inter-communal violence and laying the foundation for more resilient communities. ENDAbout UNDP in South Sudan: For more information, or to arrange an interview with United Nations Development Program Assistant Secretary-General and Crisis Bureau Director Shoko Noda please contact: Amos Agiro, UNDP South Sudan Communications Specialist, Juba, amos.agiro@undp.orgAimee Brown, UNDP Crisis Bureau Communications Specialist, New York,Aimee.brown@undp.org Ngele Ali, UNDP Africa Regional Communications Advisor, Nairobi, Ngele.ali@undp.org
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Press Release
12 December 2023
South Sudan launches National Export and Investment Strategy
(Juba/Geneva) – The Government of South Sudan today launched its five-year National Export and Investment Strategy in Juba, with the vision of “A sustainable, productive and diversified economy for inclusive development and prosperity in South Sudan.”
By initiating vital policy reforms and infrastructure initiatives, the Strategy will support investment in productive capacities and domestic and cross border trade. Jointly drafted by public and private stakeholders, the Strategy is dedicated to:
Foster private-sector-led growth, ensuring transparency, and upholding trade policy consistency.
Prioritize integration into the East African Community (EAC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Bolster local production, curbing imports, and stabilizing inflation for economic resilience.
Nurture the potential of its youth and women through skills enhancement, vocational training, and gender-sensitive initiatives.
Implement measures to unlock trade and investment potential in six priority sectors: fruits and vegetables, gum arabic, hides & skins, natural honey, oilseeds, and wildlife tourism.
Offer viable market opportunities for South Sudan in neighbouring EAC countries and across the African continent.
As a result of a highly consultative process, qualitative and quantitative research led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a United Nations agency supporting small businesses, the National Export and Investment Strategy provides a coherent roadmap for developing productive capacities and attract investment. Evidence from ITC’s 2022 SME Competitiveness Survey informed all six sector strategies.
ITC and Afreximbank join forces to help South Soudan use trade as an engine of growth, development, and economic resilience, for its people, including women, youth and vulnerable communities.
Quotes
‘Trade, investment, and regional integration can drive the country’s growth, development and stability. The Strategy shows the consensus among all stakeholders to reach a sustainable, productive and diversified economy for inclusive prosperity in South Sudan. At the same time, the Strategy highlights the need for addressing economic fundamentals such as physical infrastructure, energy supply, and internet connectivity, as well as inflation and foreign exchange volatility to support trade, small business and economic stability. It is a call for a partnership between government, business and development partners.’
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
‘The National Export and Investment Strategy stands as a beacon guiding the government, private sector, and development partners, fortifying the competitive prowess of South Sudanese businesses, and ultimately propelling the entire nation forward. I am deeply grateful for the African Export-Import Bank’s vital financial support, which plays a pivotal role in turning the Strategy into a tangible achievement for South Sudan. The Government of South Sudan is resolved in fully embracing and executing the Strategy.’
Mary Akech Milla, Undersecretary, Ministry of Transport, South Sudan, National Focal Point for National Export and Investment Strategy
‘Our partnership empowers South Sudan's quest for economic stability, driving policy reforms and infrastructure development, promoting growth, trade, and regional integration.’
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Afreximbank
The National Export and Investment Strategy was developed under the aegis of the Government of South Sudan under the leadership of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Investment, with financial support from Afreximbank and technical assistance provided by ITC’s One Trade Africa Initiative.
Notes to the Editor
About Afreximbank - The African Export-Import Bank (AfrEximBank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution with the mandate of financing and promoting intra-and extra-African trade. AfrEximBank was established in October 1993 and owned by African governments, the African Development Bank, and other African multilateral financial institutions as well as African and non-African public and private investors. The Bank was established under two constitutive documents, an Agreement signed by member states, which confers on the Bank the status of an international organization, and a Charter signed by all Shareholders, which governs its corporate structure and operations. The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. For more information, visit: www.afreximbank.com
About ITC - The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Flickr
About ITC’s One Trade Africa – One Trade Africa works to enable, empower and enhance African MSMEs, women and youth entrepreneurs to access new transformative business opportunities created by the AfCFTA. The programme embraces a three-pronged delivery model which supports African MSMEs to compete, connect and change at the enterprise, business ecosystem and policy levels. ITC provides African MSMEs with training, advice and coaching to build capacities, connect to new and more lucrative markets, and create jobs.
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Press Release
01 November 2023
South Sudan renews commitment to accelerate sustainable peace and development on UN Day
October 24, 1945, marked the coming into force of the UN Charter, since then the UN Day has been celebrated annually to highlight the achievements and challenges of the global community established to safeguard peace from scourges of war, protect human rights, establish the framework for international justice and promote economic and social progress.
South Sudan is marking the event this year with a localized theme: “Towards Sustainable Peace and Development in South Sudan”, The theme underscores the urgent need to accelerate action towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their complementarity to achieving targets set under the National Revised Development Strategy to create a better world for all South Sudanese leaving no one behind.
UN personnel working across South Sudan with local leaders and communities gathered at Nyakuron Cultural center to celebrate United Nations Day and the work the organization is doing to protect civilians, build durable peace, and promote stability and development. This year’s celebration was preceded by a Symposium where over 500 people participated and an exhibition showing the work of the UN in South Sudan.
While introducing the panel discussion, the Resident Coordinator ai, Marie - Helen underscored the relevance of the triple nexus programing modality “as partners continue to work together to address the Mult-challenges that the country faces, humanitarian support, peace and development must move hand in hand” she noted.
The UN works side-by-side with the government of South Sudan and the South Sudanese people to protect civilians, build durable peace while providing access to vital services to communities across the country, such as food, clean water, sanitation, education, health care, infrastructural development, demining, human rights, and other forms of advocacy.
“As South Sudan prepares for its first post-independence elections, it is only through strong partnerships that a peaceful democratic transition can be achieved. In the spirit of UN Day, therefore, I call on all stakeholders to demonstrate shared purpose and political will to usher in a prosperous future for all South Sudanese,” stated Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, and Head of UNMISS.
Representing the government, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Mary Nawai noted that the UN has been a steadfast strategic partner for South Sudan. “Throughout these years, we have collaborated with the United Nations in various ways to advance peace, development, and humanitarian efforts in our country” said Hon. Mary.
On United Nations Day, UN’s commitment to advancing peace, protecting human rights, and promoting togetherness between nations and among the broader international community is celebrated. Since its founding, the United Nations has shown that countries with different histories yet shared purpose can join to bend the arc of history toward a freer and more just world.
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