"Achieving peace and development requires strong community connections and local capacities," shares Nuwan Uddika Liyanage, UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). To take this further, he initiated a project called, 'Beyond Bullets and Ballots: Standing Against Sexualized Election Violence' that addresses challenges faced by vulnerable communities during local elections. Let's hear from Nuwan Uddika.
I am based with UNMISS in the Malakal Field Office and responsible for implementing the Beyond Bullets and Ballots project. I believe that when we give the relevant knowledge and tools to communities, we promote a self-reliant society. Building strong community ties is the most important building block here and of course, complementing that with policies that are community friendly.
The project is a step in the right direction. It brings together the local government officials, electoral officers, police, military personnel, and members of civil society.