RELIGIOUS LEADERS CALL FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO END SUICIDE CASES IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS

By Wani James Abraham

Obongi

Different Religious leaders in Palorinya refugee settlement Obongi district have appealed for a joint effort from all stakeholders in the fight against rising cases of suicide in the refugee settlement.

According to the members, the cases are as a result of several of factors such as high level of gender base violence, disruption of social support networks, lack of basic necessities especially food as well as exclusion from work and educational opportunities.

Rev. Pastor Emmanuel Amo, the Sudan Pentecostal Church Area Board Overseer of Kajo keji Area, lamented that, team work and proper coordination is the only way forward to overcome the high rate of suicide cases in the settlements. “Let us come together and coordinate and find another strategy of reaching the people that are affected with conflict so that their needs can be addressed”. Pastor Emmanuel said.

He urged the local communities and their leaders to double their efforts to eliminate the evil spirit in the community.

Pastor Wilson Aluma of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan urged refugee leaders to attend to the problems facing refugees and meet their needs to prevent them from suicidal thoughts. “People are really traumatized and they are in a situation which really needs attention and this attention must not only come from the church leaders but also from the other community leaders like Refugee Welfare Council (RWCs), Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and UNHCR”. Pastor Wilson said.

Mr. Wani Evans Ezbon a religious elder in Palorinya refugee settlement called for togetherness and encourages community members to endure the situation other than committing suicide. He added that Para-counselors, religious leaders and other stakeholders need to work very hard by carrying out community awareness so that people will know the value of their life.

Pastor Celina Okuyo of the Sudan Pentecostal church, warned the community against committing suicide saying even biblically it is a sin and punishable by God. She noted that it’s better to suffer on earth so that in heaven one will have peace and rest as Jesus has promised to mankind that there is place for peace and rest with him. “I will advise them not to commit suicide because when their souls go to heaven, it’s going to suffer more. Here on earth they have suffered and again in heaven they will suffer, that won’t be good”. Pastor Celina Said.

The economic hardship caused by reduction of food ration in the settlement has advanced effects to the livelihood of refugees in the settlements causing domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and suicide cases which partners, office of the prime minister and communities are encouraged to fight against.

COVER PHOTO: Clergy during a pastoral visit to Palorinya refugee settlement in Obongi District By Wani James Abraham