A one-day Human Rights Reporting training was organized by the Community Liaison Office, in collaboration with the Public Information Office, for members of the Abyei Journalists Association, Civil Society Organizations, the Human Rights Society, local administration, and other stakeholders in the information management sector. A total of 26 participants, including 9 women, attended the training held at Rumajak COB.
The session introduced participants to the international, regional and national legal frameworks governing human rights, media ethics principles, the Abyei human rights context and practical approaches to effective reporting. Participants were also sensitized to reporting human rights violations within the “Do No Harm” framework. The sessions further explored leveraging social media for advocacy beyond traditional media reporting.
In his opening remarks, the Mission Chief of Staff, Alexander Rose, underscored the centrality of Human Rights to the United Nations and the responsibilities journalists carry in protecting these rights. He also referenced the UN Secretary-General’s “Call to Action” initiative aimed at addressing global human challenges in order to build sustainable, safe and peaceful societies. He highlighted UNISFA’s Weapons Free Campaign as an important pillar of civilian protection in Abyei.
The participants identified prevalent human rights abuses in the community including rape, denial of right to Education, discrimination, child abuse, detainees’ rights abuse, sexual and gender-based violence. They described the training as highly rewarding and called for increased awareness on reporting human rights in collaboration with the local community.
