Juba: Sixty police personnel from the ten states of the Republic of South Sudan and national headquarters completed a specialized training programme on crime statistics and gender crimes at Juba Raha Camp, Juba. The aim of the training programme was to increase the capacity of the police personnel with skills to efficiently and professionally respond to gender-based violence and improve its management system with a specific focus on gender related crimes.
The training was jointly organized by UNDP, UN WOMEN and the UNPOL, with financial support from UN WOMEN. The trainees comprised of men and women working as police investigators from the ten state units and the directorates of the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and Directorate for Social Welfare at the General Headquarters in Juba.
The week-long training programme upgraded the knowledge of the officers on gender-based violence and equipped them with practical tools to respond to such crimes in a more gender sensitive manner. Attendees were also trained to facilitate collection and compilation of gender disaggregated crime statistics information at police, county, state and national levels. The data will enable police to initiate evidence-based policy level decisions on training and deployment and to more effectively respond to gender-based violence and provide women friendly services throughout the country.
The trainees appreciated the programme for providing them with a better understanding on gender issues and equipping them with useful tools. Peter Paul, Second Lieutenant from CID, Western Equatoria State, explained the importance of greater understanding in dealing with criminal behaviours. “All of us have received very important knowledge which will help us in understanding and recognizing gender based violence in order to address it effectively.” Private Eurice D. Enoka Ngbandaa was confident about the positive impact of the training she received. “We now know about gender-based violence and have learned how to investigate such crimes. We won’t be shy to put this training into practice.” Deng John Ajang, a trainee from the Directorate of Social Welfare, South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), mentioned that the training has changed his perception about gender based violence that has led to a change in behaviour. “As a result, I am going to do things in a better way now.”
Maj. Gen. Riak Aknon Riak, Assistant Inspector General of Police Training, thanked the organizers, and called upon the officers to start applying the lessons from the training. “No nation can have good governance without a well trained police force which is putting into practice what they have learned.”
Ms. Johannah Madikotsi Nkomo, Deputy Police Commissioner, UNPOL hoped that the training will bring about a decisive and positive change in police on how to manage both gender crimes and overall crimes in the country. She also mentioned that different trainings will help young officers move up the career ladder and achieve better leadership and management skills.
Mr. Firas Gharaibeh, Deputy Country Representative, UN WOMEN, acknowledged the need to strengthen women and girls’ protection in South Sudan, adding that supporting SSNPS was integral to their approach, as it was the internal security agency responsible for ensuring peace at community level. “UN Women in South Sudan is committed to support prevention of sexual and gender based violence and will work hand in hand with the South Sudan National Police Services in ensuring that the rights of every woman and girl are respected and protected.”
In her remarks at the opening ceremony, Amanda Serumaga, Deputy Country Director Programmes, UNDP, described this training programme as an important step forward in the fight against gender-based violence. “For many people, the police officer is the first point of contact with the state. For this reason, it is imperative that a professional police service is well-trained and prepared to face the challenges of gender-based crimes”. In his concluding remarks, Lealem Berhanu Dinku, Team Leader of Democratic Governance Unit, UNDP, stated “I hope through continued training and support, the SSNPS will provide a highly effective, responsive and accessible service for women who have been victims of violent crime. “
For further information, please contact:
Murtaza Shibli, Communications Specialist, UNDP, South Sudan. murtaza.shibli@undp.org, Cell: +211 (0)95 621 3014