Introduction to international human rights and humanitarian laws; international refugee law and protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs); the justice system with regard to compliance of international standards and procedures on arrest and detention; the role of judges, prosecutors, legal representatives and rural courts were the focus of a two-day capacity building workshop organized by UNAMID in El Daein, East Darfur.

The workshop, attended by more 20 Government of Sudan police and prison officers, was aimed at providing participants with a thorough understanding of fundamental human rights principles, basic tenets of administration of justice as well as prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.

Addressing the workshop, UNAMID’s Human Rights representative, Francois Barashingwa, explained that the session was designed to build skills necessary to ensure the implementation of international human rights standards. “We believe that participants will fulfill their roles responsibly to adhere to internationally accepted human rights standards and prevent human rights violations,” he said.

On his part, Acting Police Commissioner, Brigadier-General Mudathir Abdurrahman, thanked the Mission for its efforts to build capacity among local officials and urged participants to utilize the knowledge gained. Furthermore, he requested UNAMID to provide similar workshops in order to enhance and build capacity for the local police in the area.