29 July 2013 - With an eye to serving at UN missions worldwide, 13 South Sudanese military officers graduated in Juba today from a two-week course in peacekeeping operations.

"This training is a first step in the preparation of SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Army)officers to take on such (peacekeeping) duties in the future, "Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Raisedon Zenenga said at the closing ceremony.

The UNMISS-sponsored course covered such topics as human rights, observer and liaison duties, radio communication, sexual exploitation and abuse and protection of civilians.

Mr. Zenenga stressed that close collaboration between UNMISS and the SPLA was critical for the mission to carry out its work and the SPLA to protect the country's territory and people.

Cooperation especially vital in mission support for mitigating conflict, protecting civilians, establishing rule of law and strengthening the security and justice sectors, and investigating human rights, the DSRSG said.

The DSRSG stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians rested with the government and security forces. "The mission was created to support the Government of South Sudan in its efforts to protect civilians and achieve an improved security environment."

Also addressing the gathering, UNMISSForce Commander MajorGeneral Delali Johnson Sakyi praised the officers for their efforts during the workshop. "I was encouraged by the commitment and dedication shown by participants of this course."

Lt Gen Thomas Cirillo Swaka, SPLA Deputy Chief of Staff Training, stressed that participant interest in the course should tell the UN that they were "thinking about the peace of their country".

"Those who fought for us know what peace means. They know that the UN is supporting the country for peace to live," he said.