South Sudanese civilians who sought protection of UN peacekeepers owing to racially targeted killings are now learning new vocational skills as they continue to live under UN protection.
Ten months after the mass killings in the national capital Juba, about 28,000 civilians continue to be confined to UN bases there. They have lost access to their former jobs and livelihoods.
In response to this situation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has funded a project to “improve the livelihoods and competencies” of such people.
At least 125 people living in the United Nations Protection of Civilian (PoC) site at UN House in Juba are already undergoing training to equip them with skills including tailoring, catering, and hairdressing.
UNDP says that the training “will facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society.” Some trainees are already using their new hairdressing skills to earn money from other camp residents.
According to the UNDP Country Director, the initiative is the result of a partnership of UNDP, UNMISS’ Reintegration unit, UN Police, ACTED, Nile Hope, IRC, Non-Violent Peace Force and community leaders.
Photo: A tailoring class as part of the programme (UNMISS / JC McElwain)