AWEIL, Dec 23 (AGCNewsNet) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has completed a three-day workshop in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, training 50 officers from South Sudan’s armed and organized forces in child protection, combating sexual exploitation, and addressing other crimes. 

The participants included officers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), National Security Service (NSS), Police, Prison Service, and Wildlife Service. The workshop emphasized the need for armed forces to avoid occupying schools and hospitals, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and promote civic education among personnel. 

UNMISS Child Protection Team Leader in the state, Elizabeth Kanjela, commended the participants for their engagement and commitment to the workshop’s objectives. 

“This workshop targeted senior security officers from various institutions to equip them with child protection knowledge and procedures,” said Kanjela. “The activity was successfully implemented, and the participants understood the sessions comprehensively.” 

Lt. Colonel Alberto Buola, representing the SSPDF’s Directorate of Moral Orientation and Child Protection, praised the initiative, calling for its expansion to all military personnel across South Sudan. 

“The workshop covered six grave violations against children and provided critical information for military officers to prevent such practices,” said Lt. Col. Buola. 

Wildlife Service officer Lt. Joseph Wol Ajiing, responsible for Public Relations and Community Awareness, pledged to disseminate the training’s messages broadly. 

“As officers, we will teach our units to respect children’s rights, avoid sexual abuse, and protect civilians, including children,” said Lt. Ajiing. “We thank UNMISS for this invaluable opportunity.” 

The training is part of UNMISS’s broader effort to promote child protection and human rights within South Sudan’s security institutions.

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