Nearly 7,000 displaced return to Unity state homes
June 3, 2016 (BENTIU) -At least 6,935 of the 122,000 internally displaced persons at United Nations protection of civilians’ sites in Unity state’s Rubkotna county have voluntarily returned to their homes, with the majority from Guit and Rubkotna counties.
Around 1,111 civilians, the UN said, made their way last week to their homes, with Rubkotna and Guit counties as their final destinations.
“These counties have been targeted for an increase humanitarian response and support to allow civilians to consider return for farming activities, something very important in a climate of food insecurity,” said the UN in a statement extended to Sudan TribuneFriday.
The UN said 200 civilians in the camp requested land for farming activities in surrounding areas close to the protection of civilians’ site.
“UNMISS will support the initiative by providing escort to one or two selected locations for farming. This is an addition to the already ongoing foot patrols UNMISS forces have been conducting on the shortcut road used towards Rubkona. These patrols, conducted two mornings a week and every evening, are especially meant to protect women collecting firewood,” noted the statement.
The UN described as voluntary steps taken by the displaced to return home and a positive development despite the fragility of the situation.
According to the world body, a forward operation base was being built at the heart of Bentiu town as well temporary operating base in Leer, south of Unity state for its forces patrol for the safety of civilians.
“This in turn provides an increased sense of safety at a time when post-conflict and transitional institutions are put in place. Together with humanitarian partners and communities, UNMISS will continue to identify locations to where communities may wish to return”, it said.
A high level delegation led by Francois Grignon for Integrated Operation Team for UN mission in South Sudan at the department of peacekeeping operation in New York, the UN said, also visited Bentiu.
“One of the objectives of the visit was to meet with communities in Bentiu and vicinity also including Leer where the delegation travelled, met with civilians and local authorities as well as UNMISS troops,” stressed the UN statement.
Grignon, it added, visited the world’s youngest nation to evaluate progress on the implementation of the peace agreement, adding that he was encouraged by current developments particularly on civilians leaving Protection of Civilians sites as well as local parties dialoguing as was seen in Leer and some parts of Rubkona areas.
(ST)