16 April 2014 - Aiming to assist residents with legal concerns, the Western Equatoria State Law Society and UNMISS completed a two-day workshop today in Ibba County on legal aid, human rights and land issues.

The first of its time in Ibba, the activity drew 60 participants, including chiefs, youth, police and women.

“I am so grateful to the law society in WES (Western Equatoria State) and UNMISS to organize such a vital workshop in Ibba,” said Commissioner Brigade Nagomoro, who opened the event.

Noting that Ibba County was relatively peaceful, she stressed that more workshops should be held to educate the local community about development activities and South Sudanese laws.

According to Law Society Legal Aid Officer Ginana Sarathiel, her organization was working with lawyers in South Sudan to raise awareness about the workshop’s topics, especially the rights of vulnerable people like the internally displaced, refugees, women and children.

She said this programme had been launched last year in the state’s 10 counties and represent clients in law courts if requested by defendants.

Participant Rev. Clement Fuokpio said he had learned about human rights and urged UNMISS and the Law Society to continue such workshops.

Ventura Mariam, another participant, said she had gained skills on defending women’s rights.