By Deng Ghai Deng
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has donated two motorcycles to the State Human Rights Commission in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State.
The donation, made on Friday, aims to enhance the commission’s capacity to investigate and respond to human rights violations across the state.
Peruth Karungi, Security Specialist for UNDP’s Access to Justice, Security and Human Rights Strengthening Programme in Jonglei and Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) based in Bor, confirmed that the motorcycles were secured with funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Karungi explained the commission’s work has been bogged down by lack of mobility, especially in the deep field locations.
“The lack of transportation has significant hindrance for the Human Rights Commission to operate effectively,” Karungi said. “With these motorcycles, the commission will be better equipped to respond to and investigate human rights abuses throughout Jonglei State.”
The UNDP has been supporting the Jonglei State Human Rights Commission through various initiatives, including training for commissioners on monitoring and investigating human rights violations, and community outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about human rights issues.
These efforts also include radio talk shows and educational campaigns to inform the public about the commission’s services.
Wilfred Gitere, Rule of Law Officer at UNDP in Jonglei State, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“This support came out of the hard work that the Human Rights Commission has been putting in reaching the communities and intervening in issues of human rights and raising awareness, but it was unfortunate that they were limited due to mobility challenges. We happened to gather the little resource we have, and today I am hopeful they will be able to reach the communities in the deep villages within Jonglei State.” Gitara said.
Hon. Simon Manyok Deng, the Jonglei State Human Rights Advisor, welcomed the support from UNDP, noting that the organization has been consistently aiding programs related to access to justice and human rights.
“This is not the first handover. UNDP previously provided a vehicle to facilitate the transport of inmates from court and prison, and today we received two motorcycles. I appreciate the UNDP for their support of the rule of law and human rights in Jonglei State,” Manyok said.
A local resident, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, shared her positive experience with the commission.
“When I was beaten by my husband’s relatives and had my arm broken for refusing to remarry after my husband’s death, I sought help from the Human Rights offices after hearing about them on the radio. They linked me with the Ministry of Gender and the Police, and the perpetrators were arrested and taken to court. With improved mobility, the commissioners will be able to reach more people in need,”he said.
The donation features the UNDP’s commitment to enhancing human rights protection and access to justice in Jonglei State, reinforcing their role in supporting critical human rights initiatives in South Sudan.