8 November 2013 – Prior to taking up posts in Upper Nile refugee camps, South Sudan police today concluded a two-month training conducted by UN Police (UNPOL) in Bunj, Maban County.

The 31 South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers learned about criminal law, women and children’s rights, community policing, local and international law, including refugee legislation, and the justice system.

In a closing ceremony for the training, which was jointly organized by UPOL and the UN Refugee Agency, Upper Nile SSNPS Police Commissioner Maj. Gen Thukul Ayom Deng urged graduates to put into practice what they had learned.

“Police officers should keep high morals in terms of ethics and code of conduct and avoid bad practices,” Maj. Gen. Deng said., “They should respect UN personnel and the communities they serve, and this includes refugees.”

UNPOL State Advisor Allan Sangoroh noted that internal peace in the country was the responsibility of the police. “However, they can only perform their duties effectively if they are well trained and mentored and this is what we have been doing.”

Speaking on behalf of the police, Sgt. Maj. Juma Lago Yoya said they had gained new knowledge.

“We are happy and proud to receive this training, because when we joined the police we did not have this kind of knowledge,” he said. “This course is indeed fruitful and will be well utilized.”

UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Welmoet Wels said UNMISS was committed to improving the capacity of government institutions in South Sudan.

The trained officers will be deployed to five refugee camps in the county currently facing an influx of residents, mainly from Blue Nile State of neighboring Sudan.