20 March 2015 - To raise awareness and sensitization on human rights amongst civil society organizations (CSOs) in Lakes State, UNMISS organized a two-day workshop in the state capital Rumbek.

According to UNMISS Human Rights Officer John Oziegbe, the forum was aimed at correcting wrong perceptions and opinions about human rights, as well as to ensure that CSOs are adequately equipped to confront and report human rights violations.

“People have the belief that Human Rights Officers want to set perpetrators of serious offences free,” said Mr. Oziegbe. “The objective of the workshop was to sensitize CSOs on human rights and to correct such misunderstandings.”

A total of 15 CSOs attended the training and participants who expressed their gratitude, also explained how the newly gained knowledge will help them in their work.

“People don’t know that human rights are actually protecting civilians”, said Rebecca Yar from the Widow’s Association. “We will take what we have learned today and disseminate it to our fellow citizens.”

Mr. Oziegbe said the mission’s Human Rights Division would continue to work with the CSOs.

“They play a complementary role in promoting and protecting human rights,” he said. “We will engage CSOs in creating awareness among the people in Lakes State about human rights.”