South Sudan

Overall achievements

The Joint Programme (JP) aimed to reduce the risk of resurgence in violent conflicts by strengthening national and local capacities and institutions with a focus on developing, implementing and monitoring effective conflict prevention and peace-building policies and programmes. The JP intended to bolster peace-building and socio-economic recovery within vulnerable communities through community-led socio-economic development and improved local governance that is conflict sensitive, accountable, accessible, efficient and sustainable in the targeted areas.  

In collaboration with government partners and UN agencies, the JP established a task force that conducted a joint assessment mission in Warrap State in May 2010. By 2011, the JP had made a number of consultations with the government on establishing peace-building bodies at state and county levels. A concept note for Training of Trainers (ToT) for State Peace Workers was developed and pre-tested in Warrap State resulting in the training of an initial 53 peace workers. Follow up activities have been undertaken, including the development of a National Toolkit for conflict management and peace-building and an outreach training programme for peace-building. The ToT revived previous peace initiatives and peace committees, which were set-up by the then Ministry of Peace and Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) Implementation, via a series of county level peace workshops conducted by the ministry.

Through the provision of technical assistance and financial support, the JP contributed significantly to the development of the national toolkit for conflict management and resolution, which recognised the importance of traditional and community leaders in the state and counties, giving equal significance to both informal peace-building and training. The JP facilitated formation of state coordination forums through a series of meetings with various peace actors (community members including elders, chiefs, traditional authorities, women, and youth) in the states. It also enhanced institutional and technical capacity of the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) to coordinate conflict transformation and peace-building activities, approaches and methodologies. As a result, the SSPRC was able to contribute (at Steering Committee level) towards drafting a National Policy (NP) and National Action Plan (NAP) to implement UN resolution UNSCR1325, which calls for the participation of women in all aspects of peace-building, through active participation of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare (MoGCSW) and States Ministry of Gender and Social Development (MoGSD) in South Sudan’s NAP drafting process.

The JP supported the formation of a police Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Warrap’s state capital Kwajok which was designed taking into consideration the need for confidentiality and appropriateness when handling cases of women and children. A total of 15 police personnel were trained and enabled to carry out and manage cases. In addition, 65 (56 male, 9 female) justice for children actors (police and social workers) were trained on child friendly standards and procedures. Further, 6 police officers were selected to work specifically in the SPU in order to offer services for women and children. A total of 1,500 children (900 boys and 600 girls) and 200 families were reached through dissemination of messages on child rights and rights protection through awareness sessions conducted at community level.

A series of training and referral mechanisms for handling cases of children who come in contact with the law were enhanced through the capacity building interventions. Action plans for handling cases of children on contact with the law were developed jointly with the police, social workers, community leaders and civil society in Kwajok and in the Greater Tonj area. This included referral pathways to be used within the counties. 37 cases of children (33 male, 4 female) were assisted. Through partnerships with local organizations, the JP enhanced involvement of 8 community members through participatory joint assessment, design, and transitioning of responsibilities to national counterparts of conflict management and peace-building that resulted in an increased ownership of issues and solutions to conflict prevention. The partnerships presented an opportunity for the recruitment of staff from the target localities, which is beneficial for the sustainability of programme due to their local knowledge and understanding of local contexts and modes of behaviour, as well as their long term contacts with the communities.

The JP strengthened the capacity of the Warrap State Ministry of Health in early warning and alert, epidemic preparedness and response and disease surveillance. As part of the mandate to fill the critical gap in community health, the JP, through health partners, supported the Ministry with basic kits of medical supplies and medicines to manage common but fatal illnesses such as malaria and acute infections. A Gender Based Violence (GBV) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was drafted and contextualised for Warrap State with line ministries and appointment of GBV and Gender Equality focal points. The JP supported training of traditional leaders and women on community based protection and reconciliation mechanisms in the three counties of Twic, Gogrial East and Gogrial West. A total of 960 participants (women, men and youth) from the three counties in Warrap participated in various trainings on gender and women’s rights. The JP supported the MoGCSW in the conduct of conflict sensitivity awareness campaigns that targeted cattle camp leaders and community youths because youth are responsible for cattle raiding. Over 200 youths from Warrap State participated in child centred events that included the Day of the African Child and the Universal Child Rights Day with key messages on child rights and child protection that focused on children living on the streets delivered at the events.

The JP supported the government of South Sudan on land disputes/arbitration and dialogue related to cross border movements. At the national level, the JP worked with the South Sudan Land Commission on action oriented arbitration on land use and natural resource management planning. The JP also supported the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure in Warrap on land administration through improved surveying and documentation of land transaction; territorial mappings and tenure and conflict assessments. Working with the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders (CoTAL) and community leaders of three border payams of Gogrial West and Gogrial East, the JP supported the holding of community awareness programmes on alternative dispute resolution.

The Local Economic Recovery component of the JP mentored and trained business associations composed of women and youths in the local economic recovery. The mentoring and follow up focused on women associations. For example: Panda Women Development Association and Gumter Women Association.

Outcome 1:

Strengthened systems and capacities for sustainable conflict prevention and Management

Outcome achievements:

• JP peace advisors were able to identify peace-building needs and partner with peace-building institutions reflecting a variety of leadership, particularly on conflict management and mitigation.
• The SSPRC carried out 13 forums in 2011 and 2012, in Warrap, on peace building for local authorities and traditional leaders through the state coordination conferences which enabled clarity on mechanisms and state understanding of the processes and methods of conflict transformation and peace building. This has enhanced the SSPRC’s institutional and technical capacity at state level to coordinate conflict transformation and peace-building activities, approaches and methodologies.
• At the national level, the South Sudan Land Commission received technical advice in the development of manuals and at the state level, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and CoTAL received both technical and in the resolution of land and property disputes.

Outcome 2:

Increased conflict sensitive recovery, reconciliatory practices and reintegration at community level (with a focus on women and children) through basic service delivery and development of economic opportunities.

Outcome achievements:

• A total of 981 community members (613 male; 368 female) received messages on conflict prevention and conflict transformation through 12 child community peace ambassadors established in four counties.
• Community peace committees (180 community members: 137 male and 43 female) were established by the government and trained by the JP to facilitate forums on the basics of conflict prevention, peace-building and non-violent conflict resolution.
• 1,500 children (900 boys and 600 girls) and 200 families were reached through dissemination of messages on child rights and protection through awareness sessions conducted by the JP’s local NGO partner (TOCH) in Warrap State at community level.
• 160 (male 100, female 60) State Ministry of Health workers were trained on the basic principles of communicable disease surveillance and response and are now able to detect, report and verify potential outbreak of epidemic prone diseases.
• Communication support was provided to four County Health Departments in Twic, Gogrial West, Gogrial East and Tonj North, which further strengthened the function of surveillance and improved the timeliness and completeness of the reporting of disease surveillance from 27% and 34% (2010) to 48% and 64% (2012) respectively based on WHO’s tracking.
• 60 community health workers were trained on sanitation, waste management and management of water related and diarrheal diseases.
• 60 basic unit kits of medical supplies and medicines to manage common but fatal illnesses among the vulnerable populations were distributed. Of these, over 38 were directly donated to frontline partners. A total of 64,983 people (male 21,683, female 43,300) received treatment for common illnesses.
• Water sites and interventions improved access for approx. 17,000 direct beneficiaries (male 8,500, female 8,500 female).
• Womens’ groups such as Warrap State Women Association, Gurmtel, Panydit Women Association, Women Can Do It Association, were taken through the process of group formation and the advantages of groups in enhancing business and enterprises in creating employment opportunities in post conflict settings.
• Developed inclusive political processes and mainstreaming conflict prevention and mitigation through workshops organized by the Rule of Law teams under the leadership of the State Peace Commission.
• Five day ToT course in conflict transformation carried out in Warrap State.
• Establishment of a Special Protection Unit with 15 trained police personnel in Kuajok, Warrap. Thirty-seven children’s cases (33 male, 4 female) were assisted.
• Constructed and established one facility for the SPU in Kwajok, Warrap, The SPU was designed taking into consideration the need for confidentiality and appropriateness of handling cases of women and children. A total of 15 police personnel were trained to carry out the day to day responsibilities and manage the cases at the SPU.
• A total of 60 professionals (30 male and 30 females) and in addition 20 non-professionals (5 males and 15 females) were trained in Warrap to work with children in contact with the law.
• A total of 960 women, men and youths (male 660, female 300) from the three counties in Warrap participated in various trainings on gender and women’s rights.  
• A GBV Coordination forum was established under the leadership of the State Ministry of Gender and Social Development and resulted in the development and contextualisation of GBV SOPs for Warrap State with line ministries focal points for GBV and Gender Equality
• 25 healthcare providers (5 male, 20 female) were trained on the clinical management of rape, and six (3 male 3 female) were trained as Master Trainers. In addition several GBV awareness raising sessions were held targeting men, women, religious leaders, local authorities and youths, including peer educators- overall the sessions impacted over 5,000 people.

Best practices:

Local level engagement: Direct involvement of local government institutions, communities, CBOs and NGOs in the consultations, assessment, planning and implementation has increased their capacity and sense of ownership. The JP was able to successfully deliver the outputs and outcomes of the programme through a participatory approach of working with communities and people who have profound local knowledge of political dynamics, culture and security. Role of RC office: UN Resident Coordinator’s Office [at field office] played a key role during the inception phase by supporting the re-prioritisation of activities, including the revision of the JP Workplan to increase programme coherence.

Lessons learned:

Design of future JP: Future Joint Programmes should be designed taking into consideration practicalities on the ground as well as political developments and in this case anticipated independence of South Sudan in 2011 and consequent split of country offices, which had a direct bearing on the annual workplans and their budgets (calculations for South Sudan).

JP office: In line with the guidelines provided by the MDG-F Secretariat, it is necessary for future JPs to identify adequate premises for the programme team within the leading ministry. The co-location of the programme office within the lead government department will have the advantage of facilitating team planning and coordination resulting in more efficient Delivering as One (DaO) and not delivering within agency mandates.

Joint Programme Staffing: Consider additional funds for opening of full-time positions, especially for the lead agency to coordinate for the entire duration of the JP rather than the existing practice where tasks are assigned to staff with full day time jobs. 

Joint Programme Assessment: Joint programme assessment missions by participating agencies and the government require appropriate planning and coordination. This enables a review of key priorities by key stakeholders (including government counterparts) that will result in increased participation and greater national ownership. 

Large UN participation in JP: When a large number of UN agencies are involved in a Joint Programme (eight in this case), there is a need to ensure good programme design and coordination to avoid duplication of effort or skewed activities between agencies.

Sudan

Overview

The UN Joint Programme on Conflict Prevention and Peace-Building in Sudan (JP) aimed to prevent the relapse of conflict by bolstering peace building and socio-economic recovery through supporting  community led development and improved local governance that is conflict sensitive, accountable, accessible, efficient and sustainable in the target areas. The JP’s outcomes were:  1) Strengthened systems and capacities for sustainable conflict prevention and management; and 2) Increased conflict sensitive recovery, reconciliatory practices and reintegration at community level (with a focus on women and children) through basic service delivery and development of economic opportunities, and focused on Keilak, Muglad and Lagawa in South Kordofan. 

Participants to Programme were UNDP, as the lead agency, partnering with FAO, ILO, IOM, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNWOMEN, WHO, as well as government institutions, local community and NGOs.

Outcome 1:

Strengthened systems and capacities for sustainable conflict prevention and management.

Outcome achievements:

• Systems and capacity for sustainable conflict prevention were strengthened through the establishment of mechanisms for conflict resolution, as well as training on conflict management and resolution. Special attention was given to natural resources, specifically cattle routes, since competition of resources is a key factor in conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.
• Capacity of the South Kordofan State government’s focal body on peace building the Reconciliation and Peaceful Coexistence Mechanism (RPCM) was enhanced through technical support and provision of critical office equipment. Three project steering committees were established which resulted in the establishment and training 8 of community level conflict resolution mechanisms. Native Administration, a key local institution, in South Kordofan State’s Western Sector was strengthened through the training of 1,238 local leaders in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In addition, 9 inter-community dialogue sessions on access and use of natural resources and traditional conflict management were undertaken. These discussions resulted in sensitization of communities to reactivate their existing traditional conflict management mechanisms through the native administration structures, which are now active in settling internal disputes/conflicts to avoid inter and intra-community violence, especially between farmers and pastoralists.
• Further, 15 community animal health workers from pastoralists have been trained and equipped with essential equipment. Trained community animal health workers are now able to provide animal health services and monitor the overall livestock situation. This prevents potential dispute and conflicts as pastoralists do not need to take any detour to pass by villages to receive treatment for their cattle and avoid unnecessary contact with farmers. Also, 3 cattle routes were identified which reduced conflict between farmers and pastoralists and increased technical capacities of targeted authorities/ institutions in managing conflict prevention and disputes.
• Additional training activities included 75 participants from the State Ministry of Agriculture, the State Ministry of Animal Wealth, the Project Steering Committee, the Project Coordination Group and the Village Development Committees on natural resources based conflict management and resolution. The trained staff and committees are working in harmony and are coordinating together in solving and mitigating conflicts among the communities which contributes to strengthening local systems and capacities for sustainable conflict prevention and management. Also, 50 community members were trained in integrated cattle routes and natural resources based conflict management for peaceful co-existence. Training on mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution was also provided to women, youth, local leaders, intellectuals, farmers and pastoralists in the target locations.

 Outcome 2:

Increased conflict sensitive recovery, reconciliatory practices and reintegration at community level (with a focus on women and children) through basic service delivery and development of economic opportunities.

Outcome achievements:   

• The JP increased access to basic services, justice and significant participation in peace building for women and children as well as livelihood opportunities for conflict-affected communities. Activities were delivered by mainstreaming conflict sensitivity approaches and peace building activities. Hard components were always complemented by soft components, which contributed in increasing conflict sensitive recovery, reconciliatory practices and reintegration at the community level.
• Overall under this outcome,  through rehabilitation of two water yards, construction of 8 classrooms, construction of school latrines and provision of education supplies have benefited more than 6,200 people contributing to increased livelihood opportunities, school enrolment rates and reduced conflict over water resources between transhumant and sedentary communities. Also, establishment of the Early Warning Alert Response System (EWARS) resulted in no outbreak of the epidemic in the targeted communities. At the same time, capacity development training and awareness raising workshops have ensured ownership and sustainability and contributed to increasing conflict sensitive recovery, reconciliatory practices and reintegration at community level.
• Regarding the output on access to basic services, in addition to the provision of services, increased understanding amongst tribes was a result of the JPs activities.  In a school in the Muglad area, the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) consisting of village members of all tribes (including those who had tensions between them) was provided training on school administration topics such as management, accounting, advocacy and conflict resolution. The trained PTA helps build trust amongst the different tribes in the community and prevents potential conflicts since it plays a crucial role in the community for communication.
• In addition, 15 Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) were established in the local clinics in Keilak, Muglad, Kadugli and Dalami, affiliated to the State Ministry of Health (SMoH). This system linked the remote local clinic and the hospitals in towns regularly so that they can react to the outbreak of infectious diseases. Essential medical supplies were provided to eight health facilities which benefited more than 40,000 people. For establishment of the EWARS, a conflict sensitive approach was adopted. Trained medical teams conducted home visits and had dialogue with those who were skeptical of the new system introduced by the medical personnel from outside of their communities. This approach helped in enhancing conflict sensitive recovery in the communities. As a result of the establishment of EWARS, no outbreak of the epidemic has been reported in the communities.
• Regarding increased livelihoods, the construction of a water yard has increased livelihood opportunities for the farmers and nomads and has benefitted 17,000 community of members of Harazaya Misseriya village by facilitating equitable water distribution among community members, and cattle migrating tribes thus promoting access and reducing competition over water resources. In addition, the Water Management Committee was trained on community management and water yard operations as well as conflict mediation. The committee continues to ensure sustainability of the water yard and conflict mediation if needed in the community. Also, 264 people were trained by the Training of Trainers (ToT) and following training sessions by the ToT on management of the Local Economic Recovery Fora and peace building & conflict resolution in Harazaya and Lagawa. As a result, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Welfare, 230 trained people are now expecting to receive funds from micro finance institutions to start up their business.
• Regarding increased access to justice and participation by women and children in peacebuilding, 4 Women community networks were established to support victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV), rape and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Keilak, Harazaya and Lagawa. For the first time, women in remote communities have access to psycho-social support, medical and legal services and can also be referred to bigger hospitals or legal institutions when needed, in Lagawa, Kadugli and Dilling towns. Eighty health personnel in the hospitals received advanced training on Clinical Management of Rape survivors which has strengthened their capacities to provide quality treatment to victims coming through the Women community networks.
• In addition, through workshops and training provided by the JP 90 government officials were able to strengthen technical skills on GBV, 1,270 community leaders school and university students attended workshops on elimination of GBV, gender equality, rights of women and reproductive rights and 90 women leaders, traditional tribal administrators, development committee members, CBOs and staff from relevant government institutions in Lagawa and Muglad were trained on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, conflict resolution skills and gender issues. The women’s leaders in Lawaga and Muglad have increased their awareness of their role on peace building. Women unions and Youth associations have started to cooperate and establish networks to advocate women’s participation in peace building within their respective communities. They have also emphasized coordination between women leaders through adopting joint work with other community sectors for enhancing a peace culture and preventing outbreak of conflict. After the workshops, community leaders (male) made strong statements that they would stop and abolish GBV in their communities.

Best practices:

• The direct involvement of local government institutes, communities, CBO and NGOs in planning, implementation and assessment of the programme, including in identifying the community problems and needs, has increased their capacity and strengthened the sense of ownership. The JP was able to deliver the activities smoothly and maximize impact through a participatory approach of working closely with local partners who have profound knowledge on local politics, culture, the security situation and geography.
• The JP conducted joint assessments with all the participating agencies to select the intervention area. The joint assessments aligned each agency’s activities and brought synergy among the partners.
• Provision of basic services such as WASH and education provided through rehabilitation of water yards, construction of school latrines, provision of water supply to schools, construction of class rooms, provision of education supplies and building capacity of the community by training Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and community mobilization all are good practices towards building sustainable peace in the disadvantaged areas.

Lessons learned:

• The number of participating agencies (8) was too high compared with the approved budget. Sudan even prior to South Sudan’s secession was operating through a decentralized system which in effect meant 16 agencies. This was formalized after the secession of South Sudan in 2011 and consequent split of country offices including the JP budget.
• Agencies which did not have permanent field presence in the target locations struggled with implementation.
• For better results joint programming should be more organic. This should entail right from the outset clear identification of results the intervention is trying to achieve and then identifying relevant partners who bring a clear added value towards achievement of the desired results.

More details can be found in the final project report: https://mptf.undp.org/document/download/11213