12 February 2015 - Continuing to strengthen knowledge of human rights in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, UNMISS held a workshop today in the capital Aweil.

Participants included 22 representatives of civil society (CSO) and community based organizations (CBOs) from across the state.

The training aimed to introduce human rights and highlight the role of government in protecting human rights, that of CSOs in promoting them, networking mechanisms and national as well as international human rights institutions.

UNMISS State Coordinator Koliab Nahataba urged participants to immediately transmit the knowledge they had gained to their communities.

“We are not asking you to go and condemn negative practices, but gradually and professionally you will change them,” Mr. Nahataba said.

Participant Samuel Kuch from Aweil Central County expressed a commitment to inform others. “Right from here we are going to conduct meetings with community leaders, government officials, youths and women in Aroyo.”

Another participant, Elizabeth Henry, said, “We want each and everyone in this state to be aware and understand about human rights, child and women’s rights.”

Also during the workshop, the Public Information Office carried out a presentation on the UNMISS mandate and the Gender, Child Protection and Civil Affairs sections as well as UN Police on gender- based violence and protection.