15 May 2014 - Aiming to assist vulnerable groups understand justice, UNMISS concluded a two-day training on rule of law today in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State.

Some 35 participants, mainly justice stakeholders like traditional leaders, police, correction officers and civil society members, attended the training, which was entitled “Justice for vulnerable groups”.

“The workshop is aimed at increasing the understanding and practical implementation of relevant applications of justice to vulnerable groups,” said Edna Onyango, UNMISS Justice Advisory Section in head in Western Equatoria State.

She added that the activity also sought to discuss responsibilities and roles of justice stakeholders to foster collaboration and enable them to handle issues affecting vulnerable groups.

The workshop covered areas like the child act, criminal procedure code, penal code and constitution, focusing on vulnerable groups like women, children, refugees, displaced people and people with mental illness.

County Commissioner Ezo Moiidie Albert said the training would help local chiefs to administer justice impartially, noting that the area had no court judge or legal officer.

Speaking on behalf of participants, Ezo County Payam Administrator Mboriundo Margaret urged colleagues to implement skills acquired for fair justice to prevail in Ezo.

According to Ms. Onyango, the training was the second of its kind after Yambio County, where the same workshop took place last year. She said “similar programmes will be extended to the remaining eight counties of the state if funds are available”.