Rumbek prison officers concluded a five-day workshop aimed at improving the management and administration of prison facilities, with a particular focus on the relationship with prisoners and their rights.
The training that ended yesterday was done by UNMIS and targeted 28 Non-Commissioned Officers from various units in Rumbek, Lakes State.Richard Emou, a Correction Advisor with UNMIS, was one of the facilitators. He told Good News Radio that the workshop focused on helping prison officers with skills to rehabilitate prisoners back to the community.
He added that Human Rights was among the topics covered by the formation, explaining that prisoners need to cared for and learn practical skills that help their insertion in society.
Marial Borok, one of the prison officers, expressed appreciation for the training.
Mr. Borok said he was transformed by the input he received and promised to deal with the prisoners in a more humane way.
Margaret Orik Obonyo, also a Correction Advisor with UNMIS, said that the challenge of congested prisons are common in Africa and are not only in Southern Sudan.
Ms. Obonyo urged the Government of Southern Sudan to work hard to improve prison facilities.
She asked that pregnant women and mothers with children should be isolated from other women prisoners.