Over 100 SSPDF officers trained on child rights protection
At least 120 members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have been trained on protecting child rights in Warrap State.
The training facilitated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was aimed at raising awareness about child rights and the obligation of military personnel to adhere to the Comprehensive Action Plan to end all forms of child abuse.
In a statement to UNMISS, Brig. Magok Achuoth, Commander of the SSPDF Division Three in Kuajok noted that such sensitization sessions were critical for his junior officers.
“I attended a similar workshop in Juba and I made it a point to trickle down the knowledge I had gained through our ranks,” said Magok.
“However, there is no substitute for in-person guidance and I am very glad that everybody serving in my Division has got the opportunity to participate in these important sessions today. I hope UNMISS will continue providing us with such useful training,” Magok added.
Temrol Deng, State Director, National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (NDDRC), assured participants that more workshops will take place in future.
He, however, cited difficulties faced by all stakeholders during the rainy season and emphasized the Commission’s intention to reach all six counties within Warrap State before the rains begin this year.
The NDDRC is one of the UN Peacekeeping mission’s partners in hosting this sensitization session through its state-level technical committee, together with the state Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare.
Joseph Deng, a Child Protection Officer with UNMISS emphasized that while all stakeholders are doing their best to ensure that no underage combatants remain across South Sudan, the primary responsibility for protecting children lies with the government.
“We are here to help you, to help the Government of South Sudan, ensure that no child ever has to bear arms again. We must all commit to protecting the rights of every child so that this young nation can truly build a durable peace,” he stated.
