Bentiu, 17 December 2018—The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has completed a five days training for youth peace champions in Bentiu to respond to the increased cases of sexual violence among women and girls.  The five days tailor made training was conducted from 11-15 December 2018 on SGBV, psychosocial support, trauma healing and counselling.  

During this month of December 2018, UNDP has conducted five such trainings in Bentiu, Aweil, Rumbek, Torit and Bor. The trainings are undertaken in collaboration with the University of Juba’s National Transformational Leadership Institute (NTLI) a think tank that focuses on gender and leadership capacity building in the country.  

Through working with peace committees around the country, UNDP noted the increased number of GBV cases reported by members of the communities. For example, in July- September only, 98 cases were dealt with by the various peace committees in various locations.

Community dialogues also revealed that trauma is a major issue that has hindered reconciliation. UNDP therefore rolled the five days training targeting peace committees members as well as other service providers along the GBV referral pathway including medical, psychosocial support and legal awareness, in the hope that the skills they will learn will contribute to improving the situation at the local level.

A total of 178 (106 females) underwent the five days training. In Bentiu town and the protection of civilian sites, 33 youth (52% female participation) attended the training. The training was arranged in collaboration with IOM, UNMISS Civil Affairs and GBV sub-cluster. IRC national officer on behalf of GBV sub-cluster presented the local referral paths available in Northern Leich State.

“I learn more about GBV issues which are real in the community. I also learnt about referral pathways and available assistance for GBV victims. The training was helpful, and I will be helping my community.” Nyasudan Chabak Bone 19, Female from Rubkona Town.

The youth peace committee members also discussed joint action plans as a way forward. Youth were interested particularly to have joint GBV talk shows through radios and to strengthen the Youth and Partners Peace Coordination Forum where youth from all location meet every month to discuss peacebuilding challenges and GBV.

Another participant, Teresa Nyayiel 25, female from Bentiu PoC, said “The training went well, I can bring positive change through counselling to GBV victims and referring them to health facilities. I also think there is need to involve women from villages about GBV awareness around Bentiu.”

UNDP support such activities as sustainable reconciliation starting at the grassroots and addressing conflict related GBV cases as well as trauma is important for healing and reconciliation.