10 October 2014 - To ensure protection and promotion of human rights in Western Equatoria State, UNMISS today held a training workshops today in Maridi and Ibba counties.

Human Rights Officer James Fandas said the training was aimed at the grass roots level, adding that it would be conducted in all six of the state’s counties.

He refuted allegations from some community members that human rights activities were teaching children to disrespect their parents or women to misbehave, but targeted positive cultural values of people.

Mr. Bandas said the training was about respecting people, giving the example of a man who hit his daughter in the eye and damaged it, which was against the child’s rights..

He noted that Western Equatoria authorities were committed to respecting human rights, which had resulted in fewer violations than other states in South Sudan. The exception came when police officers might be lax in carrying out their duties or executing them on time.

UNMISS Human Rights section in the state continued to monitor police stations, prisons and communities for violations in addition to awareness training, Mr. Fandas said.

He urged the community to stop accusing human rights promoters of teaching wrong ideas to children or women. Everyone was entitled to enjoy their rights freely without any distinction. His section was open to receive complaints and would respond accordingly.