UNMIS Protection Unit held an awareness workshop on the Southern Sudan Child Act 2008 from the 22 to 24 June in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State.

Thirty-two participants, including chiefs, police, social workers, prison officers, women's groups, youth and community based organizations took part in the training.

"This training is an eye opener to us and I wish it will be taken to our bomas (areas) so that people may know how to bring up their children in a good way," said Santiko Samira Labrick, a sub-chief of Mundri Payam (township) Court.

The training included an overview and key objectives of the 2008 Child Act, juvenile justice, gender and children, sexual exploitation and abuse as well as the role of the government and community.

"I had not known that there is a Child Act until this very moment, so it is a happy day for us in Mundri," County Executive Director Alwsela Alibey told participants during the opening ceremony. "When you go home you will be the one to tell others the importance of this law."

The Southern Sudan Child Act 2008 contains provisions related to systems protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law, children as victims of trafficking, exploitation and abuse, violence, and neglect. The Act provides a legal framework for the protection of children in this war torn region.

Fifteen child protection messages were developed by participants to be used in an awareness campaign and for further engagement with local authority and key actors supporting the protection of children in Mundri West County.

The Director requested UNMIS to extend the training to the payam and boma levels.