By James Innocent
At least 25 dedicated law enforcement officers in Yei River County have received comprehensive training focused on a survivor-centred approach to handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The two-day training from June 17th to 18th, 2025 was organized by the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ).
The training centered on several critical aspects of SGBV case management, including ensuring that survivors receive adequate support and facilitating access to justice within the local community.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, which were designed to enrich their understanding of the complications surrounding SGBV incidents and the various ways law enforcement can effectively respond.
Nunu Diana, the project coordinator for CIGPJ, expressed her gratitude to leadership of both the police and prison services for their commitment to allowing officers to engage in the training.
“This training will equip the officers with knowledge and skills to appropriately handle Sexual and Gender Based violence cases in Yei, and ensure we create an enabling environment for survivors of SGBV to have access to justice without any hindrances,” she said.
Nunu also acknowledged the vital support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), highlighting their partnership with CIGPJ.
She stressed the need for continued backing to extend training opportunities to even more law enforcement personnel, recognizing that a well-trained force is crucial for handling SGBV cases effectively.
For her part, Nancy Adokrach, a representative of NPA working on civil society programs that support women’s rights initiatives, praised the CIGPJ team and facilitators for their exceptional organization of the training in Yei.
“We support organisations such as CIGPJ who know the local context to reach out to communities in implementing key projects such as “Strengthening Responses to SGBV cases and Empowering Women to participate in political spaces,” she added.
During the closing ceremony, Major General Ali Abudalla Tiff, the police inspector of Yei River County, urged all police and prison officials present to translate the knowledge acquired into their daily practices.
He noted that many individuals often neglect their professional responsibilities due to skill gaps, which undermines the justice system.
Meanwhile, Mr. Towongo Santos, a representative from the local government, called on the participants to actively apply what they had learned to enhance the justice system in Yei.
He stressed the importance of integrating the training into everyday operations to create a more responsive and effective law enforcement environment.
Deborah Anyiet, one of the participants, noted that this was her first experience attending such a vital training session.
The officer said she gained so much knowledge, especially regarding the handling of sexual and gender-based violence issues, which are often poorly understood within the community.
Deborah urged partners and organizations to continue providing training sessions, emphasizing that ongoing education is crucial for effectively addressing these pressing issues.
The training has presented an important step in equipping law enforcement officers in Yei with the necessary tools in handling SGBV and support survivors.