Swiss Cooperation - South Sudan

Catch the Rays, Save All Day!

Did you know? the sun delivers the entire world's worth of power for a whole year in just one hour! #

The Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency in South Sudan, Juba, powering with the Sun!

We've successfully commenced the installation of our new solar energy system, adding a reliable and cost-effective power source for our operations. This project is a significant step toward our sustainability goals, reducing our reliance on traditional energy and decreasing our carbon footprint. The system features state of the art solar panels and inverters designed to maximize energy generation. We're proud to invest in a cleaner future while securing long-term energy savings. #

Women Agency for Resilience and Transformation (WART), a local partner of SDC in South Sudan supporting the vulnerable people in the hard to reach parts of the country (Rotriak, Unity State). Working with the local CBOs, WART, with the funding from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund provides support in income generating activities and mentorship in financial management.

The Swiss Development and Cooperation, supported partner, Hope Africa South Sudan (HASS) building social cohesion between refugees, returnees and host communities through sport for peace.

The Swiss Development Cooperation(SDC) local Partner, Hope Africa South Sudan, making a difference in supporting rural women in Aweil West county, Northern Bhar el Gazal, South Sudan, to initiate income generating activities for self sufficiency. A measure contributing to community resilience.

The desired impact of localisation: The Swiss Development Cooperation local partner, Hope Africa South Sudan, promoting Food Security through agricultural production.

As the outgoing Head of the Swiss Cooperation Office, Juba, Johan Gély, plants their roots elsewhere, we plant the seeds of gratitude here.

it's more than just planting trees. We are planting a garden of appreciation. Planting the seeds of a great leader within all of us. Planting roots and lasting memories.

Thank you for leading us through the exciting and challenging terrain with passion, Johan!

With the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, partner, WART- South Sudan, is contributing to the reduction of GBV cases in Unity State.

One of our Your Moment of Truth (YMOT) trainers Gatluak shares his thoughts after our training:

“After completing the gender-based violence training focused on challenging negative social norms through YMOT, I feel empowered and confident in my ability to intervene in GBV situations. This training provided me with the tools, knowledge, and strategies necessary to address harmful attitudes and behaviors within our communities. I am now better equipped to advocate for change, support victims, and challenge the systemic issues that perpetuate violence. I genuinely believe that by standing up against these norms, we can create a safer and more equitable environment for everyone in Rotriak.”

Swiss Development & Cooperation

21.09.24
This Morning: 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑱𝒖𝒃𝒂 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒚𝒂𝒌𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 500 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 (including government representatives, civil society, traditional dancing groups, diplomats, academia and think tanks).

This year theme, “𝑁𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝐶𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒: 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦”, highlights the essential role of collective action in fostering peace.

The Ministry of Peace organized the event with FCA, UNDP, IOM, Safeworld, UNMISS, UN Women, UNESCO, WDPI, Search for Common Ground, IRC, JICA, PeaceBuilding fund, UNHCR, Non Violent PeaceForce, Swigo, Animu, among others.

Speakers included the first vice president, as well as remarks from the Minister of Peace Building, UNMISS SRSG, UNMISS DSRSG, a group of Ambassadors, AU representative, National Youth Union Group, Women Groups, CEPO, UNDP.

Quote from the speakers:
“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑠”
“𝐼𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡”
“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑢𝑑𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑡”
“𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠”
“𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑑”
“𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒”

As we all know, progress can only be achieved if efforts are combined and all relevant stakeholders are included and involved in inclusive peace efforts.

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑫𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒕, 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔.

18.09.2024: with ICRC and the Faculty of Law at the University of Juba in , we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions with a Symposium held at the Juba University.

With representatives from the relevant ministries (Justice, Humanitarian Affairs, Interior, Defence, Water, Agriculture Gender), members of the Legislature, Judiciary & Military, diplomatic community, Red Cross Red Crescent partners, UN agencies, NGOs, civil society, media representatives, academics and students.

It was followed by a diplomatic reception at the Swiss House in Juba.

Objectives:
- commemorate and raise awareness of the GCs in the South Sudan context and promote intrinsic connections with the Conventions and IHL;
- use the opportunity to take stock of the achievements, and challenges, and to collectively reaffirm the relevance of IHL and to renew commitment by the stakeholders for better compliance;
- encourage South Sudan and other States in the region to champion on the implementation of IHL;

As you know, the Geneva Conventions, which were universally ratified 75 years ago, are the cornerstone of international humanitarian law (IHL).

75 years on from their adoption, the Geneva Conventions represent a universal commitment to a shared humanity, and have continuing relevance.

They are at the core of international humanitarian law, which regulates the conduct of armed conflict and seeks to limit its effects.
https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/swiss-stories/75-jahre-genfer-konventionen.html

𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 - 12th August 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, providing an opportunity to recall their importance for humanity. Over 120 conflicts are currently having devastating consequences worldwide: they claim human lives, separate families and cause untold suffering. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are at the core of international humanitarian law, which regulates the conduct of armed conflict and protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities. The commemoration of the 75 years of the Geneva Conventions is a reminder of the importance of rallying our actions and obligations in the service of our common humanity. They remain as relevant as ever in protecting people from the harmful effects of armed conflicts.

𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑴𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 - 75 years after their adoption, the Geneva Conventions remain as relevant as ever. Their respect continues to save millions of lives threatened by more than a 120 conflicts around the world. − The Geneva Conventions do not prevent the outbreak of war, but they set limits to protect victims of war. − Switzerland has a special relationship with international humanitarian law (IHL). The first Geneva Convention of 1864 was drafted at the initiative of the Swiss government. Switzerland subsequently convened all the diplomatic conferences which drew up the various Geneva Conventions and their three Additional Protocols. Switzerland is the depositary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. − The 75 years of the Geneva Conventions are the opportunity for all states to renew their commitment to a common humanity and to ensure respect for IHL. Respect for international humanitarian law must be a political priority.

𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔 & 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 - The four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are the cornerstone of IHL. The Geneva Conventions are international treaties which contain the essential rules setting limits to war. − They protect people who are not taking part in hostilities (civilians, medical personnel and members of humanitarian organisations), as well as those who are no longer taking part in the fighting (the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, prisoners of war). − The Geneva Conventions have been universally ratified and provide a binding legal framework on all states and all parties to limit means and methods of conduct of hostilities. − Together with the Additional Protocols, the Geneva Conventions establish minimum humanitarian standards to be respected in all situations of armed conflict. These include the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, precautions, restriction or prohibition of certain means and methods of warfare. − The work of the ICRC, which provides assistance to populations in need, is based on international humanitarian law, which is set out in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols.

𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 - It was Henry Dunant of Geneva (1828–1910) who, having witnessed the carnage of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, initiated the first measures for the protection of persons in conflict situations. His humanitarian initiative ultimately led to the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). − The first Geneva Convention of 1864 was drafted at the initiative of the Swiss government. − Switzerland subsequently convened several international conferences on the protection of victims of war and regulated the means and methods of warfare. − The Second World War demonstrated the need to further strengthen these provisions. An international conference in Geneva chaired by Federal Councillor Max Petitpierre drafted the four Geneva Conventions of 1949. − They were supplemented by two Additional Protocols in 1977 and a third in 2005.

− −

31.08.24

𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒖𝒅𝒂𝒏

Great 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒖𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑭𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 hosted by @𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗛𝘂𝗯 last saturday.

Organised by the 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 and 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 with support from @𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗻 and the Swiss Cooperation Office

A moment of joy, in difficult circumstances to appreciate traditional (fresh, organic, safe and nutritious) cuisine from 20 different areas in South Sudan.

The event also features music, and traditional clothing.

"𝐶𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑢𝑑𝑎𝑛"

Another fascinating cosmopolitan adventure...

Another initiative that can craft and embody an inspirational future story for South Sudan: a one of inclusion, possibilities and peace.

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌, 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆”

𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡 𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜 (2 𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 @𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑀𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟)