20172006 UN Peacekeepers Provide Security and Support For Humanitarian in Bunj
Channel: UNMISS VIDEOS
Date: 2017-06-30

The rainy season has brought heavy downpours that are giving life to new grasses and crops in the small town of Bunj in the north of South Sudan. 
But it has also created significant challenges for the 140,000 refugees whose presence dwarfs the local population with everyday chores becoming much more difficult to navigate.
The town of Bunj is in the Upper Nile region, just 30 kilometres from the border with Sudan. Refugees began fleeing there from Sudan in 2012 when violent conflict erupted between the armed forces of the Sudanese Government and a rebel group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, which was fighting for South Sudanese independence.
At times, the presence of the refugees in the town creates significant tension, including outbreaks of ethnic fighting within their own camps as well as clashes with the host community.
A 150-strong UN peacekeeping contingent, mainly from Rwanda, operates from a small base in Bunj. They patrol the roads and provide a secure environment for the local community, refugees and humanitarian workers in the midst of on-going civil violence. 
A joint peace council has been formed by UNHCR and local authorities to help both groups work together until the refugees are able to return to their homes to live safely, with dignity, and hope for a brighter future.