South Sudan has launched a new training manual aimed at strengthening the capacity of law enforcement officers to combat human trafficking, a growing human rights issue in the country.
The manual, unveiled in Juba on Friday, was developed following a five-day Training of the Trainers (TOT) program for police officers, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Speaking at the event, Gen. Mangar Buong Aluenge, Deputy Minister of Interior, emphasized that human trafficking remains one of the most urgent and complex challenges for South Sudan’s law enforcement agencies. To date, seven cases of human trafficking have been reported in the country.
“Trafficking networks in the region have exploited the lack of robust laws in areas of displacement, making the fight against trafficking extremely difficult,” Gen. Aluenge said. “As a new nation, South Sudan is still developing its legal frameworks. While some laws have been enacted, many are yet to be fully implemented. We must work closely with our partners to eradicate human trafficking once and for all.”
Human trafficking, which often involves forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involuntary servitude, continues to be a significant issue both in South Sudan and globally. The newly launched manual is designed to provide national police officers and other law enforcement professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking cases more effectively.
This initiative is part of South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to address human rights violations and strengthen the capacity of its law enforcement institutions. With support from international partners like UNODC, the country aims to enhance its legal and institutional frameworks to combat human trafficking and protect citizens from exploitation.