JUBA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations senior envoy in South Sudan on Tuesday called on leaders to put aside their political differences by ensuring that peace is restored across the country as local staff joined the rest of the world in celebrating the UN Day in Juba.
The UN personnel working across South Sudan came together with local leaders and communities to celebrate UN Day and the work the organization is doing to protect civilians, build durable peace, and create stability and development within the young nation.
Speaking during the event in Juba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General David Shearer urged the government of Transitional Unity and the warring parties to put the interests of the South Sudanese first and serve their people.
"The recent Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) initiative to bring the parties together in a High Level Revitalization Forum is a welcome step to move the peace process forward. But an immediate ceasefire between all the parties is a precondition," Shearer said.
He said the National Dialogue can complement the peace process, but needs to remain truly inclusive and be a meaningful forum for the South Sudanese to express their grievances and aspirations.
"We all have a role to play in South Sudan. And I commit to ensuring that the UN makes a positive, constructive impact," he said.
The UN envoy paid tribute to the professionalism, commitment and courage of the thousands of staff working for more than 20 UN entities in often remote and dangerous locations across South Sudan.
"This year alone, UN agencies and humanitarian partners are providing life-saving health, nutrition, education, and water and sanitation services to 4.7 million South Sudanese in need. Those achievements are testament to the commitment of dedicated aid workers, many of whom are South Sudanese nationals," said Shearer.
"Lifesaving support is needed, but we must also seize opportunities to stabilize areas affected by violence so that people can return to their homes. We must support people's ability to pursue their livelihoods so they can forge their own future," the UN envoys aid.
South Sudanese political and community leaders as well as members of the public joined in the 72nd anniversary celebration held in Juba as well as at UN bases across the country under the theme: "United Nations and South Sudan Building the Future Together."
"Their efforts would not be possible without the generous contribution of donor countries. The humanitarian response needs in 2017 total 1.6 billion U.S. dollars," he said.
The UN has been working in what is now the country of South Sudan, for over 50 years, providing vital services such as food, access to clean water, sanitation, education, health care, infrastructural development, peacekeeping, policing, demining, human rights and other forms of advocacy.
"To my colleagues here today, I wish to express my immense gratitude for your efforts and compassion. This is a dangerous place. Since the war broke out in 2013, 86 of our fellow aid workers have been killed while helping others. We mourn their loss," Shearer said.
The UN envoy said while the many South Sudanese people he had met were from different regions and backgrounds, they all wanted one thing -- peace.
"People want to return home. They want their children to go to school. They want to be productive citizens. They want to be self-reliant. That is why the South Sudanese are urging their leaders to silence the guns and give peace a chance," Shearer added.
