Juba, February 17, 2015 (SSNA) — The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Ellen Margrethe Løj, who visited Jonglei State’s capital, Bor, declared that the protection of civilians in South Sudan is the UN’s top priority.
The UN mission top official in the war-wracked South Sudan states that it is the community of nations mandate to protect civilians and that the UN peacekeepers must make sure civilians are protected.
“It is a critical part of the Mission’s mandate to protect civilians, both inside the UN camps and outside. Our troops must ensure safety and security beyond the camps, out in the communities,” Løj said.
Mrs. Løj, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in South Sudan, applauded more than 1,200 Ethiopian peacekeepers presently stationed in Juba, Bentiu, and Malakal cities.
“I am convinced that the Ethiopian Contingents will be in the front line in this regard,” she added.
At least 112,000 civilians are currently under the protection of United Nations Mission in South Sudan, according to UN estimate.