18 September 2012 - Training media in human rights would help fill a gap in reporting skills, a top state official said today at the opening of a workshop in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.

"We have shortcomings in terms of ... knowledge and technical equipment and this kind of training is very important," said Oliver Duku, a director in the state Ministry of Information and Telecommunications.

Organized by UNMISS and the information ministry, the three-day workshop for 32 journalists and government information officers aims to boost understanding of human rights in day-to-day reporting.

The training will also focus on the media's role in promoting respect for human rights.

UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Meredoc McMinn said the workshop was part of the mission's capacity building assistance for the South Sudanese government. "Journalism is one of the fundamental pillars in building democratic society."

"UNMISS Human Rights team leader Marie-Amelie Ndayisenga said the training would be used to form a human rights network and set up regular communications with media in the state.