5 December 2013 - Enhancing their skills as national army officers, senior members of the South Sudanese military completed a protection of civilians training today in the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State capital Aweil.

Conducted by UNMISS military and Protection of Civilians (PoC) section, topics include the legal framework for protection of civilians, role of UNMISS and responsibilities of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in protecting civilians.

“We will conduct this kind of training not only in all state capitals but also down in the field,” said UNMISS PoC Officer Ania Zolviweska, who was also one of the trainers.

During the activity, which was the first of its kind in the country, participants discussed relevant human rights standards they were expected to meet during their duties, as well as challenges faced.

Participants also spoke about lack of proper infrastructure, which made it difficult to reach some remote areas, as well as poor information-sharing between local leaders and citizens.

Representing the 12 officers who received training, Col. Lual Deng Akol commended UNMISS for supporting the army’s efforts to transform itself into a professional force meeting international standards capable of protecting its population.

“The training will help us to protect our population at large and children and women who are vulnerable and defenseless,” he said.

Col. Akol said participants would share what they had learned with their respective units and ensure full implementation.

The senior UNMISS Military Liaison Officer in Aweil Col. Ricardo Canhacic handed out certificates to participants, who will start the second phase of training on 6 December.