SOUTH SUDAN: Senior Police Officers Undergo Training On Children’s Rights And Monitoring Violations

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

A vital three-day training program aimed at enhancing the skills of senior police officers across South Sudan commenced on Tuesday in Juba, focusing on monitoring and reporting grave violations against children.

Organized by the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Commission (DDRC) with support from the Child Protection Unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), this training marks an important step in addressing children’s rights within the country’s law enforcement framework.

Participants, including police commissioners and heads of protection units from various states, will engage in sessions designed to increase awareness of child rights, improve understanding of the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM), and strengthen the capacities of senior police officers. Trainees are encouraged to relay their newfound knowledge to junior colleagues, with the overarching aim of preventing the six grave violations against children.

During the opening session, Maj. Gen. James Mande Enoch, spokesperson for the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), emphasized the significance of the training for improving police effectiveness. “Today marks a significant moment for the SSNPS, as we launch this important and strategic workshop organized by the DDRC and UNMISS to educate our senior officers on children’s rights, among other critical topics,” he stated. “The group here includes 12 state police commissioners and special protection units from eight states, all tasked with ensuring security in their jurisdictions.”

“This workshop is designed to empower officers in monitoring and addressing children’s rights issues,” Gen. Mande added, underscoring the expectation for police officers to safeguard the rights of children and other vulnerable populations, such as women.

The training aims to identify actionable items outlined in the Comprehensive Action Plan that police can implement, as well as to foster stronger collaboration between UNMISS and South Sudan’s police force in the protection of children and the prevention of serious violations.

Oluku Andrew Holt, National Coordinator for the Release and Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups at the DDRC, remarked on the crucial role police officers play in the context of children’s rights. “As police officers, your participation here is essential, as you have a significant role in the action plan focused on children’s security and their involvement in conflict settings,” he stated during his presentation about the training’s objectives.

This initiative represents a crucial effort to empower law enforcement personnel in their commitment to uphold the rights of children in South Sudan.