5 June 2015 - In a continuing effort to draw police and local residents closer together, 38 Central Equatoria State officers graduated from a confidence and trust building training today in Juba.

The two-week course, which began 25 May and ended 5 June, was sponsored by UN Police, with support from the UNMISS Human Rights and Child Protection units.

The training was the second of two batches, the first of which graduated 39 police officers on 22 May last month, with all participants drawn from Munuki, Khor William and Malakia police posts.

UN Police Chief of Staff Itendra Nair said the course aimed to assist police officers in restoring trust and confidence in citizens who had left their homes for UNMISS protection areas so that they would safely return.

“Connect (with) and influence those who have come out of the UN protection of civilians (POC) sites, so that when they are out, they will not go back,” Mr. Itendra said.

Maj. General Henry Danima Odu, Chief of the Confidence and Trust Building Program of the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), said killings in the country since conflict broke out 15 December 2013 had made civilians afraid to return home.

“Because civilians had lost confidence in us, they ran either to UNMISS or outside the country for their safety.” Mr. Odu said.

He noted the project also aimed at preparing state police to better deal with crimes and restore trust in citizens. “The police should be seen as the catalyst for a solution rather than a problem.”

Topics covered during the training included human rights, sexual and gender-based violence, child rights and community policing.

Jackson Elia, Deputy Inspector General of SSNPS, urged participants to cooperate with community leaders and other security organs, so that citizens would be willing to share information needing immediate action.

“Your success depends on what civilians want you to do for them,” Mr. Elia said. “Build good relationships with them, and they will … (come) to your aid.”

He urged participants to observe police core values, apply ethical standards and exercise maximum discipline necessary for the overall achievement of police goals.

“Good governance stems from proper observing of human rights,” Mr. Elia said. “We are a diverse country with varied cultures, so respect is critical.”

Participant Nadia Manas Taban said that she had gained knowledge from various topics, including child labour, forced marriages and recruitment of children into the police, adding that she would now act as a change agent.

“I have also learnt that police officers must not beat suspects, nor discriminate against tribes,” Ms. Nadia said.