Ambassadorial-level meeting of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

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Thank you, Mr. Chair, for convening this meeting. I would like to thank the briefers for their statements and the Government of South Sudan for requesting this meeting to follow up on the previous engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission

The extension of the Revitalised Peace Agreement until February 2025 underlines the responsibility of the signatories towards a population that has suffered more than most. Timely, inclusive and effective implementation of the peace agreement remains the only agreed path to peace. We hope this progress will be sustained towards the elections in 2024. The violence has to stop. The Peacebuilding Commission can support South Sudan in building peace.

I would like to highlight three points:

Firstly, the progress made on women’s representation is crucial. Women play a critical role in leading peacebuilding initiatives in communities in South Sudan. Furthermore, in a demographic with over 70% youth, it is key to include young people, not only as beneficiaries but also through meaningful participation in local governance and reconciliation. At the same time, there are barriers to participation. There are reports of grave human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence, abductions and repression of civil society and journalists. There is also a need to strengthen local governance and delivery of public services. In this regard, we must remember that accountability at all levels is a basic prerequisite of peace. The mobile courts as well as the court on gender-based violence are noticeable initiatives in this regard.

Secondly, root causes of violence are multiple and there are growing humanitarian needs including high levels of food insecurity. Strenghtening the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus is a recommendation of the report from the PBC delegation. The Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus can be the guiding approach to enhance protection, gurantee humanitarian access and strengthen coordination of programming that empowers communities and builds resilience to reduce triggers of instability, including adverse effects of climate change. The Peacebuilding Fund has a role to play.

Excellencies, briefers, could you elaborate on what partnerships are needed?

Thirdly, trust-building between the state and its citizens remains a key issue in the lead up to the elections. I would like to conclude by asking what measures the government is considering towards expanding the peacebuilding architecture and promoting transitional justice at the local level in South Sudan?

The people of South Sudan deserves peace. We are looking forward to continue discussions in the Peacebuilding Commission in support of South Sudan’s path to peace and stability, and Denmark is here to support.

I thank you.