25 April 2013 - In an effort to boost child protection in Jonglei, members of the state's Rule of Law Forum met in Bor today to discuss young people's rights in the state.

About 22 participants attended the meeting, which was organized by UNMISS Judiciary Affairs Section and the Jonglei Legal Administration office.

Topics discussed included full implementation of the Child Act, schools for young mothers and child abduction as well as justice. Participants also debated early forced marriages, child labour, street children and low basic education retention rates.

The meeting made recommendations to be included in a draft paper, "Frame for Comprehensive Multi-Dimensional Approach to Child Protection in Jonglei State".

Participants were drawn from the ministries of Justice and Gender, South Sudan National Police Service, South Sudan Human Rights Commission, non-governmental agencies, UN agencies and the legal fraternity.

The forum will reconvene in October to evaluate progress on the draft paper.
At the same event, the UNMISS Communications and Public Information Office made a presentation on the mission's mandate and its role in protecting civilians.

UNMISS staff reminded participants that the government of South Sudan has the primary responsibility of protecting its citizens and that the mission was supporting the government in its efforts.