by Ryan Smith
On March 2, 2011, representatives from the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and Presbyterian Women joined Milcah Lalam, a peace building development specialist with RECONCILE in Sudan with expertise in trauma healing, drama as therapy and story-telling, works with women, children, youth, victims of rape and abuse, displaced persons, development and human rights workers in post-war contexts on a information sharing meeting with the Desk Officer for Africa with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The issues discussed were the ongoing peace process in Southern Sudan, the need for protection, access and capacity of UN involvement in the country, thoughts on the future and challenges still present. Both Lalam and the UN Representative noted that there is still much work to be done in Southern Sudan.
Following the meeting, Ms. Lalam remarked that the meeting was “inspiring, hopeful and fantastic,” noting her meeting affirmed her hope that the United Nations system will help rebuild Southern Sudan.
Lalam has joined the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and Presbyterian Women as part of the 2011 Commission on the Status of Women held in New York.
The picture of Milcah at the Ecumenical Women orientation is by Christine Mangale.
Ryan Smith is the Presbyterian Representative to the United Nations.