Arop Jonchol
Kwaujak – Al-Wadi Newspaper
A group of 40 male and female officers from South Sudan’s National Prison Service recently completed a specialized training workshop in Warrap State, aimed at promoting dignity and respect as effective tools for maintaining prison security.
The three-day workshop, organized with support from the UN Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) Corrections Unit, marked a significant shift in participants’ understanding of humane approaches to inmate management—moving beyond traditional methods rooted solely in strict discipline.
“We used to believe that firmness alone was enough to maintain order,” said participant Ashol Deng. “But now we realize that respect and dignity can prevent many problems in prisons.”
The training covered the Nelson Mandela Rules on the treatment of prisoners and best practices in search procedures, inmate escorts, and visitor interactions. Practical field simulations illustrated how a respectful approach can reduce tension and conflict behind bars.
Training facilitator Abraham Shul noted, “Understanding the inmate’s perspective doesn’t weaken a correctional officer’s authority—it strengthens it by earning inmates’ trust.”
Gender issues in prison settings were also addressed, with participants acknowledging that prevailing cultural norms often result in unfair detention practices against women. They called for balanced and gender-sensitive prison environments that consider the unique needs of both men and women.
“It’s encouraging that women’s voices are being heard and recognized,” said Mary Atter, an officer from Eastern Gogrial. “Addressing gender issues clearly makes the prison environment more humane and safer for everyone.”
The program also included sessions on emergency response, riot prevention, and the ethical and legal boundaries of using force—emphasizing it as a last resort.
Participants praised their local colleagues who led the training sessions, viewing it as evidence of growing internal capacity to drive reform within the prison system.
Ashol Deng concluded, “What changed for us isn’t just knowledge—it’s a firm belief that dignity and respect are core values that must translate into daily practice in our correctional work.”
