Human rights training kicks off in Torit

4 Nov 2011

Human rights training kicks off in Torit

3 November 2011 - Aiming to raise the capacity of civil society advocates in promoting and defending human rights, UNMISS Human Rights office began a workshop today in the Eastern Equatoria capital of Torit.

Some 27 participants from different civil society organizations working to promote human rights in various state counties were present for the two-day session.

Topics were to include the fundamental declaration of human rights, human rights monitoring and defending and the shared responsibilities of civil society organizations as well as the state in defending rights.

Opening the workshop, Zeinab Yassin, Member of Parliament and advisor to the state governor on gender and human rights, urged trainees to use what they learned from the workshop in their day-to-day efforts to promote respect for human rights among their respective communities.

"Previously there have been a number of trainings, but we do not see as many human rights advocates as there should be," Miss Yassin said. "After getting the papers at the end of training we should not forget everything, but we should train many others in human rights defending."

According to the governor's advisor, promoting and defending human rights is the basis for a peaceful and enjoyable life as well as overall development, especially in countries emerging from a long war beset with atrocities like South Sudan.

Participant Margaret Idwa said human rights violations, mainly gender-based violence, were common in society, but less voiced due to oppressive traditions. I hope I will learn much from the workshop and go equipped to protect human rights abuses in my payam (township).

Ms. Idwa, who represented the local Itwak (morning star in the Lutoko language) Women's Group, added that the workshop would enhance her motivation and skill in promoting and defending human rights.

UNMISS Torit Human Rights Office had also held a two-days human rights workshop on 1 and 2 November for South Sudan Police Service (SSPS) officers.