HSS 2021: Summary findings from Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan

Key findings & recommendations to local government and UNMISS

• Almost two-thirds of Magwi respondents (64%) generally reported improved security levels during 2020-2021 compared with previous years. Local stakeholders request UNMISS to:
  • Actively assist in protecting returning refugees and IDPs to Magwi, and support confidence-building measures to guarantee and sustain the improved security to further encourage the return of refugees to the area, for instance by establishing a temporary field base in Magwi.
• Local community leaders/chiefs and police are the most often contacted security actors in Magwi County, and their performance is considered good (chiefs = 69%, police = 57%). Local stakeholders call upon local government authorities and UNMISS to:
  • Increase engagement and interaction with local communities, including chiefs, local government authorities and the police;
  • Provide concrete support in improving local police capabilities through technical training and necessary resources. Through improved communication and more regular patrols, police can execute its ‘community policing’ potential;
  • Report and punish all human rights abuses by uniformed personnel pro-actively, as they undermine the community’s confidence in local security actors;
  • Provide logistical support to community-based protection initiatives such as local peace dialogues.