13 December 2013 - Seeking to boost awareness on ways to handle sexual and gender-based violence, UNMISS and UN agencies in the Jonglei State capital Bor today completed a four-day training course for local police and prisons officers.

Funded by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women, the training was conducted by UNDP in collaboration with UNMISS Justice Advisory Section and UN Police.

“It is extremely important for law enforcement officials to ensure effective investigation of offences of sexual and gender-based violence, to treat victims with dignity and ensure confidentiality,” said UNDP Rule of Law Officer Alie Sessay. “The training basically aims to enhance such knowledge and understanding.”

Some 20 participants attended the training, which focused on the differences between gender and sex, key gender concepts, prevention and response to gender violence and the role of prisons. Other topics included human rights and women-friendly policing.

UNMISS personnel also briefed participants on the mission’s role in protecting civilians. Emphasizing that the primary responsibility lay with the South Sudanese government, UNMISS staff said UNMISS could intervene in situations when the government was not providing such security.