Defense ministry moves to embed human rights in military training

JUBA – The Deputy Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Gen. James Koang Chuol, has announced that the Ministry is integrating human rights and international humanitarian law into its training programmes, aiming to strengthen discipline, accountability, and respect for international protocols within the armed forces.

“We are working hard to strengthen discipline and accountability within our forces and integrate human rights, international humanitarian law, and other international protocols into our training programmes as ratified in our Constitution and other laws, so that every soldier and officer understands their rights and their responsibilities,” said Chuol during the closing of a two-day workshop on human rights and international humanitarian law in Juba on Wednesday.

He stated that they will also continue cooperating with their partners, both local and international, to build the capacity of their men and women in uniform.

“It is our collective duty to ensure that the SSPDF remains a professional and people-centred defence force, one that contributes to peace and stability in our country, region, and beyond,” he said.

Gen. Chuol revealed that there are rules and principles that protect civilians and their property in armed conflict, prisoners of war (POWs), and limit violence, among other rules of engagement in armed conflict.

“Our nation, South Sudan, is continuing on the path of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and institutional reform. As such, it is essential that we strengthen our respect for human rights and international humanitarian law as we progress in building our country,” he said.

Kiweesi Alex, the Programme Director for Hold the Child, conducted training on human rights and international humanitarian law to enlighten citizens on issues of human rights in the country.

“It is a milestone; if we work collectively, this country will have a better conversation on human rights. We will not achieve everything as we say today, but little by little, we will make sure that South Sudan is a stronger place where people respect each other, and a place where children can grow up knowing that their future will be brighter,” said Alex.

Alex stated that they want to commit themselves to bringing more, given the opportunity, and keep advocating for more, while also exploring other opportunities to work together so that civil society collaborates with the government and officials in uniform, contributing to a prosperous country.

The two-day training on human rights and international humanitarian law, organised by Hold the Child at Gelila Hotel in Juba, is supported by the British Government’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office.