One year ago: South Sudanese celebrate their new country’s first day of independence on July 9, 2011. Photo by Sara A. Fajardo/CRS

Join Catholic Relief Services and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for a live online web chat on July 11 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time.  The topic:

Is Peace Still Possible One Year Later:
Commemorating the Anniversary of South Sudan’s Independence

Join our CRS experts for a chance to ask your questions:

• Chris Wake, Peacebuilding and Governance Program Manager in Juba, South Sudan
• Alfred Okech, Senior Project Officer for Governance and Peacebuilding, in Juba, South Sudan
• Dan Griffin, CRS Sudan Advisor
• Kathleen Kahlau, CRS Legislative Advisor

Description:

The war between Sudan and South Sudan is threatening to return. The hope and promise of lasting peace and stability after South Sudan seceded from Sudan last year on July 9, 2011 hang in the balance. People in large areas of both countries are suffering from hunger and violence. Negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan over final border demarcations, oil revenue sharing, and citizenship have come to an impasse. Violence has increased between the two nations. South Sudan has ceased oil production, threatening the economies of both countries. The border areas of South Kordofan and Blue Nile are experiencing violence and severe hunger, but are cut off from aid, causing thousands to flee into South Sudan.

The status and security of “people of southern origin” residing in Sudan is precarious. Inter-communal violence in South Sudan–primarily in the Jonglei and Unity states–has killed more than a thousand people and brought widespread hunger and displacement. While some have returned to their homes, the suffering and insecurity of the people in Darfur largely continues unabated.

Join us for opportunities:

• To hear about the Church’s peacebuilding and solidarity work in South Sudan, and how that work is impacted by Congress;
• To ask questions and engage in dialogue with staff on the ground in South Sudan, and those supporting the ongoing work there;
• To review USCCB and CRS’ policy recommendations, based on Catholic social teaching and our experience, as to how U.S. policy can make a difference; and,
• To learn about how Catholics in the United States, through the Catholics Confront Global Poverty initiative, can make a difference for our brothers and sisters living in poverty in Sudan and South Sudan and throughout the world.

Sign up to attend the web chat. In preparation for the chat, see Chris Wake’s Q&A on peacebuilding in South Sudan.