War widows, orphans and disabled call for help
Land for agriculture, education, credit facilities, pension as well as access to health services were seen as the key needs of war survivors.
Maria Gideon, voiced the demands of surviving families and disabled fighters at an event to mark the 8th anniversary of Martyrs Day on July 30 at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba.
It is not a loss that our husbands died during the war because they delivered South Sudan from a long period of oppression,” said Gideon at the event attended by President and Lieutenant General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Wounded soldiers marching in Juba, July 30.
The National Commission for War Disabled, Widows and Orphans represents 89,672 fallen combatants, 58,420 widows, over 20,000 orphans and 27,000 disabled fighters across the ten states. An estimated two million people died from the war or related famine or disease.
The day, also the anniversary of a helicopter crash that killed SPLA/M founder and chairman, late John Garang De Mabior in 2005, was observed under the theme: We salute our martyrs and vow to protect our nation.”
The representative of widows, orphans and wounded soldiers noted that many people had feared South Sudan would return to war with its northern neighbour. She commended President Salva Kiir for sticking to the path of peace.
She called for vigilance among men and women of the SPLA in protecting the nation saying its foundation was cemented by the blood of beloved ones.
The official pointed to the construction of 20 low cost housing units in Eastern Equatoria and Jonglei states and said that similar plans would be rolled out in Central Equatoria and Western Bahr El-Ghazal. Around 600 families have also been supported through a one-million South Sudanese Pound grant from the Africa Kongdai company, according to Deng.
Five tractors have been acquired and more farming machines are expected from the company to boost agriculture production among war survivors.
The Commission Chairperson urged local chiefs and leaders to ensure widows, orphan and wounded heroes are not discriminated against in their communities.
Deng Dau Deng, Chairperson of War Disabled, Widows and Orphans Commission in South Sudan.
He said a bill designed to protect the rights of widows and orphans was in the National Legislative Assembly awaiting discussion.
Deng Dau Deng, the Chairperson of the National Commission for War Disabled, Widows and Orphans said the commission needs support in order to adequately address challenges affecting the vulnerable group. He called on state and county authorities to provide land for projects to benefit the group, including the creation of physical rehabilitation centres for the many disabled.
President Kiir on his part said: When we talk of our martyrs and heroes, let us reflect on what we have done for widows and orphans.” He called on all citizens to join the National Commission for War Widows, Orphans and the disabled to support those in need.
Scopas Dima who represented Central Equatoria State Governor, Clement Wani Konga, said, out of respect for the millions who died during fighting, the nation must safeguard its hard-won independence.
