By: Ginaba Lino
Search for Common Ground has hosted a one-day conference in Juba to strengthen community responses to sexual and gender-based violence and gang violence.
Speaking at the conference, The Program Manager for search for common ground Peter Kuot said the organization’s research findings would be shared with government institutions, civil society and other stakeholders to strengthen policy and community responses.
Kuot said conflict monitors trained by Search for Common Ground identify, document and report emerging violence while helping communities resolve disputes before they escalate.
“The conflict monitors do not only report, but they are peace-builders themselves. Some of the issues that are within their capacity, they try to intervene to facilitate mediation.”
Guest of Honour, Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister of Youth and Sports, said sexual and gender-based violence and gang violence are serious issues affecting communities across South Sudan.
She said violence violates human dignity, destroys families and undermines peace and development, while gang violence is both a security and youth-development challenge.
“Our youth must not only be seen as beneficiaries of peace. They must be empowered as leaders and agents of peace. We must create opportunities for young people.”
The Minister urged young people to reject violence and promote education, sports, dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
She called for a whole-of-society approach involving government, families, schools, religious and traditional leaders, civil society, security institutions and young people.
She also urged communities to report violence and support survivors, warning that silence allows perpetrators to continue violating others.
The conference brought together government officials, youth representatives, civil society organizations, partners and media practitioners to discuss prevention, early warning and community-based responses to violence.