Youth in Torit in the Eastern Equatoria region took to the streets last weekend to celebrate International Youth Day, voice their many concerns and express their desire to play a bigger role in the future of the country.

“We are calling on the youth of South Sudan in general and in Torit in particular to unite. We want change in the country,” said George James, a local youngster. 

Otililing James, President of the Youth Union in Torit, stressed the government’s role in reducing insecurity. 

 “We are only safe when the government is able to respond to incidents of insecurity. It is very important for our authorities and partners to consider the issues youth are facing here.”

The lack of “safe spaces for youth”, which was also the theme for this year’s International Youth Day, hinders them from contributing to the development of their communities.

UNMISS Head of Field Office in Torit, Caroline Waudo, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s Field Office in Torit, reiterated the peacekeeping operation’s commitment to working to empower youth to build durable peace.

“Here in South Sudan youth lack the space to fully express themselves without feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome, or stressed,” she commented.

The International Youth Day celebrations in Torit, organized by UNMISS in partnership with the South Sudan Youth Initiative for Change and the local Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports, attracted more than 400 boys and girls.