New facility aims at supporting prisoners to complete their sentences with dignity
Poor sanitation and overcrowded facilities that leave little to no privacy for inmates at the Magwi Prison have been long overdue for replacement.
This week, thanks to joint efforts by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and implementing partner, the Community Initiative for Development Association (CIDA), construction has begun on a new facility in this conflict-prone county in Eastern Equatoria state.
'It is our hope that the new cells for women, men and juvenile offenders, as well as the office spaces, will provide a protective environment for prison officers and inmates, in which dignity and human rights are respected,' said Anthony Nwapa, a Human Rights Officer at the UN Peacekeeping mission's UNMISS Torit Field Office.
Once completed, the new prison is expected to reduce overcrowding, ensure human rights standards are adhered to, and minimize attempts to escape incarceration.
'Prisons should provide detainees with a second chance at life through rehabilitation programmes. To do this, inmates must be able to serve out their sentences with dignity so that they can hope to be fully reintegrated into society,' explained Abdalla Hassen Adidi, Director General, state Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.
'This project has started precisely when we need it the most, with criminality rising in our neighbourhoods,' added Aldo Ojara Akwilino, Magwi's paramount chief.
Construction is set to finish in around five months, after which, Mr Nwapa says, it will be handed over to the local authorities.
'The new prison facility is part of UNMISS' Quick Impact Projects programme, where we fund small-scale projects that have a big impact in terms of addressing urgent public needs. Once we hand it over to authorities, it's up to them and community members to ensure that the facility remains in good condition and serves its purpose.'
After years of civil war, such projects are crucial for lasting peace in South Sudan.
'The prison construction in Magwi aims to address gaps in the justice system such as human rights violations, weak law enforcement and slow court proceedings, all of which contribute to overcrowded prisons and police cells. Any initiative that strengthens the rule of law while keeping in mind the rights of prisoners is critical for communities to look forward to a better future,' said Grace John Kenyi, Executive Director, CIDA.
'That's why we partner with UNMISS to implement and deliver such projects.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Prison officers strengthen their respect for human rights through United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
'Peace begins with upholding everyone's rights, including prison inmates.' This was the core message from Corrections Adviser, Amina Kavirondo, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, at a workshop for 35 prison officers in Northern Bahr El Ghazal. 'It's also about ensuring proper management of prisons, including properly securing the perimeter, conducting security searches inside and at the entrance,' she said. 'We need all inmates to be safe, secure and fully respected.' The training aligns daily prison operations and security measures with the principles set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules, in honor of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela, who served 27 years in prison. The Acting Head of UNMISS' Field Office in Aweil, Alfred Zulu, emphasized the importance of upholding these international standards. 'We feel duty bound to ensure that men and women in uniform, as part of the justice system, are well equipped with understanding the norms, practices and procedures on how to handle inmates,' he said. The officers were equipped with knowledge to improve management of prisoners, minimize risks to their wellbeing and ensure their welfare, and to uphold human rights standards. 'Back at my workplace, I will implement the skills, particularly on the techniques of the safety of inmates and prison facilities,' said participant Sergeant Major Abuk Mawien. Participants were urged to promote consistency and sustainability in their approach. 'We, in the government, shall ensure that prisoners are treated fairly and that security measures are implemented with full respect for human dignity, safety and security of prisoners,' said Bol Akoon Akoon, Minister for Local Governance and Law Enforcement Agencies. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
7 days ago
- Zawya
Peacekeepers and communities unite for an environmental clean-up campaign in Yambio
The market is the place to be in Yambio. It is a bustling hub of activity, with shopkeepers loudly selling their wares, people gathering to gossip, music blaring from roadside tea shops, and children playing with their friends. But this thriving heart of the community was in danger of being overwhelmed by a mountain of stinking garbage. Thousands of plastic bottles and bags, rotten food, cans, old car tires and even rusted old bicycles littered the wide dirt streets, creating, not only an eyesore, but a serious health hazard. In the build-up to World Environment Day, peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) joined forces with community members to tackle this mounting challenge. With gloves protecting their hands and determination in their eyes, they methodically collected pieces of garbage, making large piles, which were then removed by UNMISS bulldozers to be properly disposed of. 'To achieve peace, we need to start with a clean slate. One part of this is each of us taking individual responsibility to create clean environments that will foster clean relationships: between partners, family members, neighbors and, consequently, the whole country,' said Rotto Anibiapai Enock, Azande Kingdom Minister of Culture. The failure to deal with this problem, which has been building up for years, had created poor hygiene and sanitation, even more dangerous at a time when cholera is running rife through communities. It had also increased the risk of severe flooding during the rainy season due to drains being clogged with junk. Yambio Municipality Mayor, Singira Robert, stressed the urgency of the clean-up project, stating that local authorities and the community 'would like to use this initiative as an opportunity to create a long-term habit.' At a time, when communities in Yambio are, not only facing environmental and health challenges, but also tensions and conflict between different groups, this initiative had an impact far beyond its original intent. It brought diverse, and sometimes feuding, communities together with a common sense of purpose and united by a shared desire to restore the Western Equatorian region's reputation as the 'breadbasket' of South Sudan, known for its lush and fertile climate. For the peacekeepers, it was also about building trust and confidence with those they serve. 'This exercise was, not only crucial to help residents overcome hazards and challenges posed by poor sanitation and hygiene, but it also allowed us to further connect and strengthen our bonds with the local population,' said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Emmanuel Dukundane. 'We are committed to continuing to support the Western Equatoria population and authorities with replicating and sustaining these efforts.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Zawya
Mongolian peacekeepers overcome dire conditions to protect civilians in conflict-prone Abiemnhom
Miles of nothingness. Searing heat. Rationed food provisions, dependent on weekly deliveries from colleagues at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in Bentiu. UNMISS peacekeepers from Mongolia are committed to enduring the most difficult of conditions to help safeguard the communities surrounding their temporary base in Abiemnhom, Northern Unity State, and beyond. After a devastating attack by an armed group on Abiemnhom in April, that left 52 people dead and hundreds fleeing for their lives, the Mongolian peacekeepers rapidly responded by creating a protective presence outside their base, providing sanctuary to at least 800 people in need. 'When the attack happened, people ran and swam across the river. A lot of people, including women and children, drowned. The Mongolian peacekeepers helped us to rescue people and bury the victims. They also created a safe space when we were in urgent need,' recalls Abiemnhom resident, Mawut Lueth. Since the attacks, the peacekeepers have intensified their patrols by day and night. 'Patrolling matters so much. It is not just about checking security or monitoring the situation. The real value is that it keeps us connected with people. Every patrol is a chance to talk to people, listen to their concerns and build that essential trust,' describes Mongolian Battalion Commander, Major Davaadorj Boldbaatar. With their location largely inaccessible by road due to extraordinary flooding, the peacekeepers' only connection to the main base in Bentiu and the critical supplies they need, is a United Nations helicopter which lands at an airstrip for a few hours every Wednesday. This doesn't deter the peacekeepers from carrying out their mandated work during their three-month rotating deployment to the isolated area. With security gradually improving in Abiemnhom, more than 130 families have been able to return to the area, although most found their homes and livelihoods in tatters following the attack. To enable the residents to safely rebuild their lives, the peacekeepers will maintain their vigilant presence until they are needed elsewhere. 'As long as UNMISS continues here and, as long as our presence can contribute to peace in the area, Mongolian peacekeepers will fulfill our duties in Abiemnhom, South Sudan.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
