14 May 2013 - Seeking to improve their living conditions, UNMISS and the UN refugee agency in Upper Nile State donated non-food items to inmates at Malakal Central Prison today.

Receiving blankets, plates, cups, sleeping mats and soap from the mission and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Acting Prison Director John Othow Ador said the items would be very useful to prisoners.

"This is a clear (indicator) that you are really concerned about human rights issues," said Maj. Ador.

UNMISS Human Rights Officer Sonny Onyegbula said his team had been monitoring the prison several times a week to assess the prisoners' situation.

"We found out that there are vulnerable prisoners that lack non- food items, so we approached UNHCR and provided these items," said Mr. Onyegbula.

He added that the UNMISS Human Rights Unit in the state would continue to advocate and coordinate with relevant partners to provide assistance to prisoners.