Dear World's video: Meet people from the world s newest country A Dear World portrait series in South Sudan

Dear World traveled to South Sudan. In a country where tens of thousands have died during the past two years, we asked subjects to reflect on their loss and their love. To commemorate the fifth birthday of the world’s youngest nation, world-renowned photographer Robert Fogarty today released a set of compelling portraits of South Sudanese men and women that tell, in his unique style, stories of love, loss and renewed calls for peace for their war-torn nation. These photographs are now being made available worldwide for immediate publication. South Sudan became the world’s newest country on July 9, 2011 but quickly plunged into a bloody civil war precipitated by a power struggle between the country’s political elite. Tens of thousands of men, women and children have been brutally killed, raped and displaced. In August 2015, the country’s embattled leaders signed a peace agreement, but neither side is showing a serious commitment to implementing the deal. Fogarty photographs people in their own words: their own messages are written on their hands and arms for the world to see. The results are very beautiful and extremely personal portraits. Their words speak of the challenges in their lives and the desperate need for peace and calm. They call on the world to help sustain the fragile recently negotiated peace, so that they can rediscover their hope for the future without fear of further violence. Fogarty said: “Everyone I met in South Sudan shares a deep sense of loss. The loss of opportunities, of hope, of loved ones. I hope these portraits show another side to the people of South Sudan, so they can get the help they deserve to rebuild their lives and put their country on a better path.” Edmund Yakani, the director of Juba-based Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) hopes the photos will grab the world’s attention and will get governments to double-down on their investment in South Sudan’s future. Yakani said: “With just a few words, the photographs reveal the longing that South Sudanese share with people from all over the world: a longing for peace, justice and freedom. Five years after independence, we ask the international community to stay committed to securing peace in South Sudan and to keep putting pressure on our political leaders to act on behalf of their people, not their self interests.” CREDITS Photographer: Robert Fogarty: Director of Photography: Janssen Powers Producer: Deltree (Ben Reece, Eli Ash, Abby Hardy, John Vo) Editor: Alex Wiltz Partners: Oxfam, Crisis Action