The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) remained and a vital - and fragile - cornerstone of peace across all of Sudan, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a gathering at Southern Sudan's Juba University on 4 September.

Ban Ki-moon speaking at Juba University

Speaking during a three-day visit to Sudan, Mr. Ban said UNMIS was helping to implement the peace accord by monitoring the ceasefire, training police, promoting local reconciliation and supporting disarmament and demobilization. The mission was also working to strengthen the rule of law, boost human rights and return refugees and displaced persons.

The Secretary-General noted that about 160,000 people had returned home this year alone, often to difficult conditions. "Shelter, food, water, health and educational services for their children and opportunities to earn a living - I know these are all hard to come by today in Juba, in Malakal, in Wau and the countless towns and villages throughout Sudan."

Stressing the importance of development in maintaining peace, he said the UN was supporting projects in infrastructure rehabilitation, health, water, education, livestock, building capacities of southern institutions and addressing landmines.

"Removing mines is important not just for your personal safety but also to get trade flowing again …," he said. "So far, 8,000 kilometres of roads in Sudan have been checked for mines and opened for use, with the assistance of the United Nations."