This qualitative study critically examines the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), tracing the evolution of its mandate from a state-building focus to a robust civilian protection regime. It analyses the mission's performance through a gendered lens, specifically evaluating its implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and its responsiveness to the distinct security and justice needs of women and girls. The article argues that while mandate language has progressively incorporated WPS principles, operational and structural impediments within the mission and the host state have significantly limited their translation into tangible protection and participation outcomes. The findings contribute to broader debates on the future of peacekeeping, advocating for a re-conceptualised approach that embeds gender analysis at the core of mandate design, operational planning, and legal accountability mechanisms.
Abraham Kuol Nyuon (Ph.D) (Fri,) studied this question.