14 November 2013 - To increase their knowledge of human rights and the country’s constitution, UNMISS completed a three-day training in Pariang County, Unity State, today for members of the South Sudanese army.

Speaking to the journalists, UNMISS Human Rights Officer Benedetta Odorisio said the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) needed to understand basic human rights in the constitution, SPLA Act and other laws of the country.

She noted that the army had been acting as police in certain situations, including civilian disarmament, which was a task not generally performed by military. “They are dealing more and more with civilians, but they have still the attitude of soldiers, so they tend to act like soldiers.”

Participant Lt. Col. Yoannes Dak Gerjiok said the training was important as the SPLA was committed to respecting human rights in the country. “We want to become a professional army, (which) … respects the rights of its citizens.”

Second Lt. Peter Koang Bie, another participant, said some soldiers were unaware of human rights.

“If they are trained they can respect the rights of citizens,” he said. “We will share this knowledge with our colleagues in the army so that every one of us will know what human rights (are).”