Background

The promotion of human security is contingent on ensuring the physical, material, and legal security of the people of Southern Sudan. Without sufficient and adequately trained civilian law enforcement personnel to ensure the security of the population, the sustainability of the CPA and governance system within Southern Sudan remains vulnerable.

Thus, the weakness in law enforcement is a liability for the future of peace and development in Southern Sudan. The disarmament of a highly militarized society and the demobilization of ex-combatants and militias are unlikely to take place within a rule of law vacuum. The safety of the internally displaced persons on routes and areas of return, as well as the protection of local communities in risk areas prone to disputes over water, grazing areas and land resources, are highly dependent on the local capacity for delivering professional civilian police services. At present, entire communities are vulnerable to conflicts, raids, criminality and the widespread proliferation of weapons. The upcoming legislative elections due to take place on 2008 also highlight the urgent need for security.

Objectives
The project aims to provide technical advice, equipment and the rehabilitation of facilities and to support training courses, and implement pilot projects that will serve as a basis for the next phase.

Snapshots of the project's major achievements
• Established an interim Police training site and training of the Capital Police Force.
• Trained Police Officers in locations across Southern Sudan, in conjunction with UN Police.
• Provided technical advice to assist the development of the MDTF project proposal, resulting in a commitment to fund a $25m, three-year project to assist the Southern Sudan Police Service.
• Co-location of a Senior Technical Advisor with the Inspector General of Police.
• Co-location of a National Legal Adviser to provide technical assistance in drafting the new Police bill and establishing a Police Legal Desk.
• Supported the formation of the Police Development Committee, to coordinate and monitor project delivery.
• Supported the Police Directors’ Conference, bringing together the Acting Inspector General of Police with directors and senior staff from the States.
• Launched a Road Safety Awareness Campaign, to promote awareness of the need for increased measures to ensure public safety.
• Supported police leadership in strategic planning and budgeting for the rule of law sector through the Budget Sector Working Group process.
• Monitored project deliverables, and the initiation of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund project.
• Approximately 600 police personnel trained
• Police training centre established and headquarters refurbished
• 60 officers received training on establishment of Gender desks
• 3 Pilot Gender desks established