UN vows to continue development projects in South Sudan
April 26, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations said it will continue to support the implementation of development projects in South Sudan despite facing difficulties in securing funds from donor communities
“Since independence the United Nations and its agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have worked in support of the people of South Sudan and key institutions of the world’s youngest country. Our work has continued throughout the crisis which has enveloped the nation since December 2013, UN development programme resident representative Toby Lanzer said in a statement.
While the country’s ongoing conflict over the past 16 months had affected funding flows from development partners and donor communities, the UN said it has continued to work in key areas such as economic planning and finance, law and reconciliation.
He cited provision of technical support to the aid coordination office in the ministry of finance to better account for humanitarian funding flowing into South Sudan.
Other development projects undertaken during the year include the completion of the construction of Juba University’s college of law, training for key personnel in criminal justice and case management, as well as the provision of legal texts.
In addition, the agency has provided financial, organisational and management support to the national Pplatform for peace and reconciliation to carry out its crucial work to reduce tensions between key communities.
In coming months the UN will work towards the acceleration of engagement with the ministry of labour and key institutions in seven states to match civil servants from neighbouring countries with their counterparts, as well as the expansion of its collaboration with the Global Fund against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“Other agencies in the United Nations family here in South Sudan continue to work on important development initiatives, in particular in the crucial areas of agriculture, education and health,” Lanzer said.
Key UN agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) among others would continue to spearhead development work in South Sudan, he added.
(ST)