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Thirty police officers from Jubaland State have completed training on human rights, child protection and gender-based violence, organized by the Gender Unit of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Jubaland State Police Force.

The 30 officers including five women were drawn from various police stations across Jubaland state. They were taken through various topics including sexual violence and abuse, protecting children from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

As part of its mandate, AMISOM Police trains and mentors Somali police officers, and helps to strengthen specialized police units to fight violence against women and children.

AMISOM Police Coordinating Officer for Jubaland State, Stephen Yeje, said the training was designed to improve the skills-set of Jubaland State Police officers in investigating gender-based and sexual violence crimes, supporting victims, their families and other complainants. The officers were also engaged on the importance of creating awareness among community members, as one way of reducing such crimes.

Among the facilitators was the AMISOM Police Gender Coordinator, Ireen Shaunduba, who emphasized on importance of getting justice for victims of sexual abuse, gender-based violence and human rights abuses.

Jubaland Police Commissioner, Col. Sadiq Mohamud Dhogor, said sexual gender-based violence and child abuse were sensitive matters that required specialized investigative skills in order to ensure justice was done, especially for the victims and survivors.

The protection of civilians, including women and girls, is integral to AMISOM’s intervention in Somalia. AMISOM continues to work with the Federal Government and Federal Member States on clear commitments to protect children and women in its areas of responsibility.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Mission in Somalia.