28 November 2012 - To enlighten prison officers about their service's Strategic Development Plan, UNMISS conducted a one-day sensitization workshop in Upper Nile State today.

The three-year plan (2012-2015) envisions "the transformation of security and rule of law agencies into modern, professional, accountable, adequate, affordable bodies that provide appropriate services to the people of South Sudan".

The plan was developed by the National Prisons Service of South Sudan (NPSSS), with guidance from UNMISS Corrections Advisory Section.

Some 29 NPSSS officers attended the workshop in Malakal, which was opened by UNMISS State Coordinator Deborah Schein.

Ms. Schein emphasized the important role the national corrections service plays in ending prolonged, illegal and arbitrary detention in South Sudan.

"As one of the components of the Criminal Justice System, the correctional service has ... to promptly identify such cases and refer them to the appropriate authorities for intervention," said Ms. Schein.

Appreciating the importance of the workshop, participants noted a need for more training on prison officers' duties.

"... We suggest (that) UNMISS and the NPSSS organize a more comprehensive training on... legal frameworks and other prison-related issues for us to be well-equipped and perform our duties effectively," said participant Maj. Peter Pal Thol.
UNMISS Regional Corrections Supervisor Ekanem Ekanem said his department would plan a series of future training sessions.