By Milly Bayi Nyuga
The Global network of Civil Society Organizations – South Sudan (GNDR) on Thursday conducted a roundtable discussion to deliberate on advocacy agenda which will benefit the displaced persons in South Sudan and disaster risks mainstreaming in the national priorities.
The goal was to arrive at a uniform message for advocacy at national level which will address issues of forced displacement from natural disasters and violent conflicts and to illicit appropriate response from international and local actors.
Some IDPs from Don Bosco refugee camp in New Site were part of the roundtable which was also attended by many Civil Society Organizations who attended and provided their solutions to the problems being faced by displaced persons and also advice on how to live better among people.
Among the speakers, James Keah, the Executive Director for UNIDOR emphasized the need for transparency among all stakeholders including the government, development partners and the citizens for true development.
“Be careful and don’t let the titles blind you. When sourcing for funding, use a diplomatic approach. Do not use the ‘I am a South Sudanese’ phenomenon when looking for funding,” James advised.
He said this especially to the young people with dreams of owning or being part of organizations to make the country better but need funding to run their activities.
James also stressed that people in leadership should keep humble and remember to always learn and for the nationals to pray for their country.
“Most executive directors and other superior personnel don’t even attend meetings or trainings like these. You need to learn in order to succeed.”
“With all the wars and conflicts and many challenges, let us pray for our country. We need to learn especially, we need to learn from one another.” James added.
Julius Okiringa, the Programme Manager for Women Empowerment Agency provided social solutions that are an important tool in healing and dealing with trauma to the IDPs.
“In trauma healing, dramas are important. They tell a clear message to the public about what is going on in an entertaining way and it reduces their stress but they never forget the message the id being passed,” Julius said.
The issue of crime that is escalating from the unemployment in the camp especially by the youth is being solved gradually.
Lomoro Barthlomeo, one of the IDPs living in Don Bosco IDP camp explained how the local community is able to mitigate the issue of disputes and crime in the camp.
“There are community local courts which are conducted by the community leaders to solve minor disputes within the community. Criminal cases are forwarded to the Police,” Lomoro said.
Lomoro urged the government to improve the security in the country so that them who have been displaced can go back home and be saved from the IDPs tragedy.