SSNPS launches Special Protection Unit

6 Jul 2015

SSNPS launches Special Protection Unit

3 July 2015 - To improve investigation of cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, South Sudan’s Inspector General of Police officially opened a Special Protection Unit (SPU) headquarters in Juba today.

“This is a very great achievement for our society and for our vulnerable groups who have (not) been receiving justice and … treatment,” said the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) chief, Pieng Deng Kuol.

The unit, located at the force’s National Operations Centre in Buluk area, was originally established to investigate sexual and gender-based violence cases, as well as to sensitize the local community about abuses of the rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups.

The project is supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UNMISS, UN Police and UNICEF. Other supporting partners are IsraAID, an Israeli-based humanitarian aid agency and Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), a local civil society organization.

“We will be working very closely with the SSNPS in providing professional service to survivors of gender-based violence,” said UNDP Chief Technical Advisor Surendra Sharma.

To help set up the unit throughout the country, UNDP is providing equipment necessary for offices to operate both at the national and state levels and has also provided a solar power system for Munuki Police Station in Juba.

UNMISS Police Commissioner Fred Yiga noted that, with the launch of the unit, people would now have a place to go and lodge their complaints privately.

Pledging support from UNMISS, Mr. Yiga hoped that SSNPS officers would be ready to respond to these complaints.

“The Inspector General of Police has just cut the tape to open the headquarters for the SPU within the SSNPS,” he said. “(Cutting) this tape directly answers a call from the vulnerable people, the women, children and disadvantaged in this country who have complaints to raise against violating their rights.”

CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani said his organization would also work with SSNPS to support strong responses to any issues raised involving sexual and gender-based violence in all 10 states of South Sudan.

“This is a right (start),” said Mr. Yakani. “(We are on the) right track.”