26 March 2014 - To build the skills of local journalists and civil society, UNMISS completed a two-day human rights workshop today in the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal capital Aweil.

The 20 participants learned about basic human rights principles, international treaties, women and children’s rights, networking and engagement, and the bill of rights in the transitional constitution of the South Sudan.

In closing remarks, Director General in the state Ministry of Information and Telecommunications Mary Makelele urged participants to practice the knowledge they had gained in protecting and promoting human rights in the state.

“In our society, human rights terminologies are new things to our people, so we must work hard to change harmful practices,” Ms. Makelele said.

Participant Abraham Agoth of Gurtong web media described the workshop as participatory and educational. “I urge UNMISS to extend similar trainings to the community at grassroots levels.”

Monica Mawien of the Aweil Women’s Association noted that women and children were most affected by human rights violations, but said the time devoted to this topic was insufficient.

UNMISS State Coordinator Numa Shams emphasized the role journalists and community based organizations played in protecting and promoting human rights.

“Journalists and community based organizations have a vital role to play in making sure that everything is … open and transparent … and the people’s voices are heard.”