In South Sudan, UN envoy welcomes civilian-led disarmament process
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 14 October 2011 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, In South Sudan, UN envoy welcomes civilian-led disarmament process, 14 October 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e9d64472.html [accessed 22 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Hilde F. Johnson, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for South Sudan, travelled to Lakes state, which started its disarmament process last month.
"I am encouraged by the local communities and their participation in the civilian-led disarmament process taking place across Lakes state. There has been such as positive response to this initiative with excellent cooperation between local communities and the state authorities," she saUNMISS stands ready to offer our support and assistance as this civilian-led disarmament process continues.id.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in a UN-backed referendum earlier this year, but since then deadly inter-ethnic clashes have broken out in several states, including Lakes.
According to a news release issued by the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), thousands of weapons are expected to be collected from local communities across Lakes, Unity and Warrap states and the process is expected to be completed within three months.
During her visit, Ms. Johnson will meet with the State Governor for Lakes as well as other officials and the local communities of Duony, Pagaur and Abiriu.
"Disarmament is a pre-condition for peace, security, stability and delivery of much needed social services to the population. I want to encourage all communities to continue to work closely with the state authorities to build on the progress being made," she said.
"UNMISS stands ready to offer our support and assistance as this civilian-led disarmament process continues."
