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BENTIU - The challenges in Bentiu are immense.

Year-on-year of extraordinary flooding has left hundreds of thousands of people displaced, living on what has essentially become an island, surrounded by thousands of kilometers of dirty, stagnant water.

This has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian and economic situation. Violent conflict also continues to plague this region, causing loss of life, homes and livelihoods.

Supporting communities through these crises, are 270 police officers, including 63 women, from Ghana serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. They were recognized for their immense efforts to support communities across Unity with the awarding of the United Nations Medal of Honor.

“Each medal symbolizes the countless hours of service, the challenges overcome, and the lives touched through your unwavering commitment,” said Ghana Formed Police Unit Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent Bismark Achaab, at the medal event.

“You have worked tirelessly to create a safe environment for those displaced by violence, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and to support our host counterparts as they continue to rebuild.”

Throughout their service, these peacekeepers have protected civilians, facilitated the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, promoted human rights, and helped build peace.

A particular focus for these police officers has been to strengthen the capacity of their counterparts serving with the South Sudan National Police Service, to help build their skills in community policing, protecting human rights, investigating crime, preparing cases for prosecution, and managing offenders.

“We also do everything that we can to support institutional strengthening of the police, of the judiciary, of the prisons, so that the whole justice chain can work properly,” explained Sam Muhumure, Head of 17�Թ��� Field Office, Bentiu.

“That’s the only way that we can then create an exit for ourselves so that we are leaving behind strong institutions that can take care of rule of law and security for the people of South Sudan.”

17�Թ���’ Deputy Police Commissioner recognized the important role that UNPOL are playing in the lead-up to the country’s first democratic elections.

“With elections anticipated in South Sudan, protection of civilians, providing electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and robust capacity building programmes for the national police service remain our core priorities,” said Kaustubh Sharma.

“It is my conviction that the medals you receive today will inspire you to go an extra mile individually or collectively, towards creating a stable environment conducive for a peaceful electoral process.”

While these officers are preparing to return home to their loved ones, they will not be forgotten by the people of Unity State, as they leave a legacy of a strong bond with the communities they have lived with and served with dedication and commitment in the cause of peace.