By Deng Ghai Deng
South Sudan has unveiled a new training manual aimed at strengthening the capacity of law enforcement officers to address human trafficking, a growing human rights violation in the region.
The manual, which was launched in Juba on Friday, was developed at the conclusion of a five-day “Training of the Trainers” (TOT) program for police officers, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Speaking at the event, Gen. Mangar Buong Aluenge, the Deputy Minister of Interior, highlighted that combating human trafficking remains one of the most urgent and complex challenges faced by South Sudan’s law enforcement agencies. To date, seven cases of human trafficking have been registered in the country.
“Trafficking networks in the region have exploited the absence of robust laws in areas of displacement, making the fight against trafficking extremely difficult,” Gen. Aluenge explained. “As a new nation, South Sudan is still developing its legal frameworks, and while some laws have been enacted, many are yet to be fully implemented. We must collaborate with our partners to eradicate human trafficking once and for all.”
Human trafficking, which often involves forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involuntary servitude, continues to be a significant issue not only in South Sudan but globally.
The newly launched manual is designed to equip national police officers and other law enforcement professionals with the tools and knowledge to identify, prevent, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking cases more effectively.
The initiative is part of South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to address human rights violations and strengthen the capacity of its law enforcement institutions.
With the support of international partners such as UNODC, the country aims to enhance its legal and institutional frameworks to combat human trafficking and protect its citizens from exploitation.