By Alan Clement
Deputy Defense Minister, James Koang has urged the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces to uphold human rights, protect civilians and embody discipline, service and respect as core values of a people-centred national army.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop, Koang pledged to embed human rights and international humanitarian law into the SSPDF’s training programs and legal frameworks.
The workshop organized by Hold the Child for officers from the army, police, and prison services, aimed at strengthening knowledge and practical application of human rights, child protection, and international humanitarian law.
“We are working hard to enhance discipline and accountability within our forces and integrate human rights, international laws, and other international protocols into our training programmes and into our constitution and other laws so that every soldier and officer understands the rights and responsibilities,” he said.
He stressed that the SSPDF, as the successor to the liberation struggle, must continue the legacy of its founding leaders by ensuring its actions reflect a commitment to serving and respecting the people of South Sudan.
“We must ensure that our actions reflect the vision of our founding leaders; a vision of an army that serves, protects, and respects the people of South Sudan,” Koang said.
He described the workshop as an opportunity for officers to engage with human rights principles practically, sharing experiences and learning from each other.
“This workshop provides us with a viable platform to share and learn from one another and to build a common understanding of how human rights and international humanitarian law can be implemented in our daily duties,” he added.
Deng Machuor Jereboam, Executive Director of Hold The Child noted that organised forces play a critical role in maintaining law and order, and their engagement in human rights and child protection is essential and highlighted the practical goals of the workshop.
“This training is designed to deepen understanding of human rights and humanitarian law, and to provide practical guidance on how those principles can be applied in your daily duties,” he said.
William Othwonh, Chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, reminded officers that human rights are enshrined in South Sudan’s Constitution, citing the rights to fair trial, access to justice, and protection from arbitrary arrest and torture.
He urged security personnel to respect civic space and freedom of expression. “Don’t prevent people let them talk,” Othwonh said.
“We cannot suffer again in your hands. You liberated us; now protect us,” he added.
Koang concluded by announcing plans for a nationwide rollout of similar workshops to ensure that all security personnel across South Sudan are equipped with the knowledge and tools to uphold human rights.