Jonglei civil society network launches UN-backed training on conflict prevention, media advocacy

BOR — The Jonglei civil society network on Tuesday opened a three-day workshop in Bor aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society groups and media practitioners on conflict prevention, advocacy and human rights promotion, organisers said.

The training, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, began at Ariop Hotel and brings together local activists and journalists for sessions on conflict analysis, human rights and civic space, conflict-sensitive reporting, evidence-based advocacy and strategies for dialogue and joint action.

Samuel Ador Thon, Jonglei State Minister of Education, officially opened the workshop, thanking UNMISS for its continued support to media development and civil society empowerment.

Ador said civil society groups play a critical role in bridging the gap between citizens and the government, and in promoting peace, human rights and nation-building.

“Civil society and the media are key partners in shaping an informed and peaceful society. We encourage you to use these skills to mobilize communities towards peace and social cohesion,” Ador stated.

Sebit Lam, Director General at the Ministry of Information and Communication, praised the participants’ commitment and commended UNMISS for supporting coordination between civil society and state institutions, saying improved collaboration would strengthen governance and public awareness.

Meanwhile, Bol Deng Bol, chairperson of the Jonglei civil society network, welcomed the initiative and pointed to recent peace efforts in the state, including the Akobo peace mission, the ICGS conference and the return of abductees to their families, as signs of progress.

He said growing unity among political parties was a positive indicator for long-term stability but urged the authorities to improve access to information for both journalists and civil society.

Bol called on the government to reopen the state legislative assembly, appoint a deputy governor to ease the administrative workload and address budgetary constraints affecting government operations.