More than 20 Christian organizations, especially from Europe and the USA, are jointly calling for peace agreements in South Sudan to finally be implemented. Among them are the aid organizations Bread for the World and Misereor from Germany, various European churches, and HEKS and Mission 21 from Switzerland.
This Ecumenical Network on South Sudan (ENSS, Ecumenical Network for South Sudan), issues its call on the occasion of the International Day of Peace for the parties to the conflict in South Sudan to respect the dignity of human life and work towards an end to violence.
"Deeply concerned that violence will continue".
The network stresses the urgent need for peace in South Sudan and expresses solidarity with all women, men, boys and girls in South Sudan who have been suffering for many years due to the conflicts in the country. Despite some progress in bringing peace to the country, the undersigned organizations are deeply concerned about the continuation of violence in various areas of the country and the availability of weapons that continue to fuel violence in the country.
Despite the signing of a peace agreement, violence is even increasing in some regions, due to political conflicts or property disputes. Therefore, the network calls on all sides to immediately stop hostile and violent acts. It condemns in particular the abduction of women and children and sexual and gender-based violence, which is pervasive in the country.
Mission 21 conducted a Dialog International online on South Sudan with experts from South Sudan and Switzerland on the International Day of Peace. The recording and a summary will be available online on September 22.
Read the full statement of the Ecumenic Network on South Sudan.
â–º Dialog International: Hope for lasting peace in South Sudan (online event)