| Overview : The gender mainstreaming in Security Sector reform project seeks to contribute to the envisaged security sector reform under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution on Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS). The formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) in February 2020 offers an opportunity for South Sudan to transform its security sector into a gender-responsive one that protects and promotes the rights of women and girls across the country. This conflict has inequivalently impacted women and girls, leaving them vulnerable to all forms of attack. Gender inequality and discrimination committed by security forces affects the meaningful participation and inclusion of women and girls in peace processes across communities, ethnic groups and generations. Male-controlled views and the male-dominated nature of the security sector and community crime prevention have left female and minorities’ needs, concerns and priorities mostly absent from the security sector and community security. Moreover, the security sector, as well as crime prevention methods, are not gender inclusive. This exclusion has resulted in contributed to insecurity and led to violent conflict in some areas. The UNDP Access to Justice, Security and Human Rights strengthening programme (2020-2023) aims at improving the linkages between rule of law actors and communities through different activities including awareness raising, capacity building and community policing through Police Community Relations Committees (PCRCs) meetings and community outreach activities. In addition, police personnel and community members are also trained in all aspects of community policing. As a result of these meetings, 18 (Juba 8, Bentiu 2, Malakal 2, Torit 1, Bor 4, Maridi 1) neighborhood watch committees have been established to support the Police during night patrols to prevent crime in their respective localities and raise awareness about SGBV and human rights. As part of scaling up these efforts, UNDP seeks to issue grants to expand community involvement in local security arrangements the participation of youth, women, minority groups such as IDPs. Measures will be taken to establish PCRCS and facilitate the holding of monthly PCRC meetings and training of police and community members to strengthen the functioning of 4 PCRCs in at least two Payam in Yei, Terekeka, Rumbek, and KuajoK-Gogrial for 12 months. The support will focus on sensitizing and engaging women including marginalized groups to understand their priority needs from the security sector and community policing concept as part of broader efforts to further foster trust and forge a strong relationship between the police and the community. |
