Yei Officers Trained to Protect Women and Girls from Violence

(Yei) – At least 20 police officers from Yei County have completed a ten-day training course aimed at improving how local authorities respond to gender-based violence (GBV) and protect the rights of women and girls. The training, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Police (UNPOL), was conducted in collaboration with the South Sudan National Police Service.

Brigadier General James Dak Karlo, Director of the Police Special Protection Unit, said the training targeted officers from the County Police Gender Desk and Yei Civil Hospital. He explained that the goal was to build the capacity of police and healthcare professionals to respond more effectively to GBV incidents, which remain a serious problem in the area.

“The training focused on gender based violence cases affecting the community. Participants underwent ten days of intensive skills development and knowledge sharing. We want them to become agents of positive change in their units,” said Brigadier Karlo.

The course covered GBV case management, human rights principles, and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, in both rural and urban parts of Yei. It also emphasized better coordination between police and health workers when responding to cases.

Rune Engevik, a UNMISS official, said the training was part of ongoing efforts to reduce GBV in the region. “This training helps ensure that police in Yei town and surrounding areas are better prepared to respond to gender-based violence. UNMISS and UNPOL will continue supporting the police with capacity building and proactive case handling,” he said.

Midwife Dusman Florence Alison, one of the participants from the Yei Stop Centre, praised the training. “We handle GBV cases every day in Yei. I will use these skills to improve my response and raise awareness in the community,” she said.

Another participant, Joseph Asega, called on development partners to expand such training to all five Payams in Yei River County. He also urged UNPOL to support police with better data collection tools. “We need items like computers and other equipment so we can document and manage GBV cases properly,” Asega said.

According to recent police reports, Yei County has recorded a high number of GBV cases since the beginning of the year. Authorities say continued training and support are vital to reducing violence and improving access to justice for survivors. The training is seen as a critical step toward strengthening institutional response and promoting human rights at the local level.