Conducted under the theme "Right of accused to speedy trial, bond and bail with regard to the New Sudan Laws", the two-day training focused mainly on overall judiciary functions, jurisdiction, speedy trial and the rule of law as well as state parties' obligation in protecting human rights through administration.

"I believe that this training will raise our justice system in the state and assist us in our day-to-day activities," said workshop participant and Western Bahr El-Ghazal State High Court President Geri Raimondo.

Speaking at the closing session, Court of Appeal for Greater Bahr El-Ghazal member Justice James Alala Deng urged participants to put into practice what they gained during the training.

"I would like to thank UNMIS Human Rights Section for the training and we request the UN to continue this kind of capacity building in the future," Mr. Deng added.

Handing out certificates to participants as the workshop closed, UNMIS Acting Head of Office in Wau area Fergus Boyle said the justice system in Southern Sudan was improving and pledged UNMIS commitment to assist the judicial system and promote rule of law.

The workshop was attended by 40 participants from the Western Bahr El-Ghazal State Attorney's Office, judiciary, law enforcement and Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission as well as judges, lawyers, advocates and prosecutors.

Participants concluded the training with recommendations to establish a forum that would meet periodically to address human rights and administration of justice issues in the region.