30 October 2014 - To boost the ability of some 25 civil society members and human rights defenders in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, UNMISS concluded a two-day workshop there today.

“The intention of this training is to give new skills to civil society groups to create awareness about human rights and monitor human rights abuses in the community,” said UNMISS Human Right Officer Pilar Cuesta.

Kay players in the community could then engage in work to combat human rights abuses with local authorities, she said.

UNMISS Human Rights section has conducted training for civil society groups in five of the state’s six counties, and plans to soon complete the series of workshops in Mundri West Country.

The section will also continue to monitor police stations, prison and cases of human rights violations and abuses in the community.

Participant Grace William said the training would help her pass the correct message to others and would soon develop a strategic plan to continue create awareness in the community.

“I am so grateful to UNMISS Human Rights section to train us on new skills which will help me empower my fellow women to speak about their rights,” she said.