LocationsTo control arms and reduce violence, community trust is everything
Building safe communities in South Sudan
July 15, 2024
UNMAS officers sensitize the community on Explosives and Remnants of War in Terekeka County- Central Equatoria State, South Sudan
There are an estimated one billion illicit small arms in circulation around the world, according to the United Nations. These illegal weapons pose a major global threat when in the hands of criminals and organized gangs. In countries that have experienced protracted conflict, like South Sudan, illegal weapons have flooded the country due to decades of war, violence and insecurity.
As South Sudan commemorates its 13th independence anniversary and seeks to lay the foundation for durable peace, building on the successes of the 2018 peace agreement calls for an urgent need to control the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons to prevent conflicts from escalating and to protect people’s lives. According to a UN human rights report, nearly 600 civilians were killed by armed groups in Greater Upper Nile in late 2022, showing the gravity of illicit arms’ impact on civilians.
In many contexts, disarmament efforts have yielded little progress. Addressing these deep-rooted community concerns requires a holistic approach that links grassroots development efforts to security programmes.
In many contexts, disarmament efforts have yielded little progress - partly because of soaring rates of poverty, inequality and marginalization. Addressing these deep-rooted community concerns and how they perpetuate the use and misuse of small arms and weapons requires a holistic approach that links grassroots development efforts to security programmes.
The path to voluntary civilian disarmament
Evidence has shown that programmes for voluntary civilian disarmament that are carried out under appropriate laws can help reduce armed violence. Through the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) initiative, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) are working with local authorities, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and communities in South Sudan to launch such programmes, and to engage women at all stages, recognizing the disproportionate effect of violent conflict on women.
Often, for voluntary disarmament to be successful, changes in mindset are needed. Community engagement and ownership is vital, as well as dialogues among government officials, civil society leaders and law enforcement.
Often, for voluntary disarmament to be successful, changes in mindset are needed. Community engagement and ownership is vital, as well as dialogues among government officials, civil society leaders and law enforcement.
In South Sudan, such SALIENT-supported dialogues included candid conversations on previous failures of forced disarmament efforts to understand what went wrong and to lay the foundation for a more trusting partnership between the community and security forces. National partners recognized that effective voluntary disarmament can only rely on a receptive and supportive community.
Major Gabriel Kuol (far left) from South Sudan National Police Service hosts radio talk show on community security and voluntary disarmament alongside UN officials.
Photo: UNDP
SALIENT worked with local police to launch radio talk shows that reached over two million people across the country, a quarter of whom were women. The platform offered a safe space for community members, and listeners who called during these talk shows to speak about the existing legal framework for firearm ownership, registration procedures and the details about the voluntary disarmament process. The radio stations continue to replay the recordings of the talk shows to sensitize more people.
In addition to raising awareness and motivation to surrender arms, in follow-up conversations community members stressed the need for protection guarantees from the security forces.
Gender-sensitive approaches build women’s confidence and willpower
Conversations between communities and security forces on issues around disarmament in South Sudan have spotlighted the link between illicit small arms and light weapons and gender-based violence. Targeted community outreach events created a safe space where security officers could listen to the first-hand accounts from women, youth and children and fully understand the harrowing and specific impact of armed violence.
Women and girls were encouraged to speak out during these events and to suggest solutions to address their needs. The SALIENT initiative has provided ample opportunity to scale up the realization of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security recognizing the impact of war on women and the importance of women’s participation in peace processes and post-conflict recovery.
Through these networks, female officers advocate for gender-responsive policing that addresses security needs of women, youth and children.
Furthermore, female police networks were established to empower and mentor female police officers and women in the community. Through these networks, female officers advocate for gender-responsive policing that addresses security needs of women, youth and children. They also share experiences and best practices to mentor other colleagues and promote gender-sensitive police conduct.
First Lieutenant Diana Jackson of the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) facilitates a training under the SSNPS Women’s Networks.
Photo: UNDP, UNMISS
First Lieutenant Diana Jackson is one such mentor trained through the SALIENT project. She has gained skills and confidence to speak boldly and educate her unit and community about disarmament issues. Diana facilitates community dialogues, participates in radio talk shows and community outreach sessions.
Enhancing peace and security
South Sudan is at a critical juncture as the country seeks to ensure peace gains are further consolidated. Communities need peace and security now more than ever. Bringing communities and security forces together to plan for civilian disarmament is already having a transformational effect but these efforts must be scaled up. And communities must continue to drive and own the process.
Learn more: https://www.undp.org/south-sudan, https://www.undp.org/rolhr/community-security/salient.
Targeted community outreach events allow women, youth and children to have meaningful participation in the community safety programmes.
Photo: UNDP