JUBA - The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday marked the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers with pleas for lasting peace in the country.

The ceremony, held in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, saw participants acknowledge the courage and commitment of the 18,000 uniformed and civilian peacekeepers working in difficult and dangerous conditions to support South Sudan.

"We thank you for your unwavering support. We stand with you at this difficult time as you persevere against all odds to secure the better future that you deserve, because peace begins with me, with you, with all of us," said Guang Cong, deputy special representative for South Sudan and deputy head of the UNMISS.

Guang said the role of the UNMISS is to support all parties leading the transformation of South Sudan.

"We, together with our regional and international partners, urge parties to the peace agreement to resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust and confidence, secure a cessation of hostilities, and take the necessary steps to fully implement the peace agreement," he noted.

South Sudan has been grappling with a deteriorating political and security situation that risks plunging the country back into war as military confrontations and intercommunal conflict continue to plague parts of the country.

"We are witnessing a deteriorating security situation, characterized by military confrontations and intercommunal conflict," Guang said.

He said that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with 9.3 million people in need of aid at a time when funding is insufficient.

The UN official also paid tribute to the more than 4400 peacekeepers who have given their lives in the cause of peace.

South Sudan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Akuei Bona Malwal acknowledged the courage and commitment of the 18,000 uniformed and civilian peacekeepers working in the country.

"Peace Begins with Me (campaign) is really appropriate, especially considering what is going on in the world, and if we actually embraced that theme, Peace Begins with Me, perhaps the world would be a better place," Malwal added.