The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSBC) has initiated a two-day training program focused on enhancing safeguarding and child protection measures within Catholic dioceses across Sudan and South Sudan. This training, themed “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” has brought together over 30 Catholic personnel. The participants include Vicar Generals, Religious Superiors, and Chancellors from various dioceses in both countries. The primary goal is to equip these leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively safeguard children and vulnerable adults within their jurisdictions.
The training program covers a range of critical topics, including safeguarding responsibilities, legal and policy frameworks, and the identification of signs associated with abuse, neglect, and child sexual abuse. By enhancing the capacity of Church leadership, the initiative aims to create safe environments for children, vulnerable adults, and other individuals receiving pastoral and institutional services. This effort underscores the Church’s commitment to protecting its constituents, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor of the Catholic Diocese of Yei addressed the opening session, emphasizing the importance of the training. He stated that child protection and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults are fundamental pastoral duties. The bishop highlighted that it is crucial for Church leaders to understand and assume their safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring that every person, especially children and vulnerable individuals, is protected from abuse. He noted that safeguarding is a broader societal issue, not confined to the Catholic Church, and affects various institutions and faith communities globally.
Bishop Sakor further stressed that safeguarding should be integrated into seminary formation. This would ensure that future priests comprehend their role in protecting children and vulnerable adults. He encouraged Church leaders to utilize their positions as opportunities for service, rather than for exploiting those under their authority. The bishop also urged leaders to prioritize the safety of people, emphasizing that this should be a fundamental consideration in their actions and decisions.
The Secretary General of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Fr. Martin Ochaya Lino, provided additional insights during the training. He explained that safeguarding is deeply rooted in the Gospel and the Church’s understanding of human dignity. According to Fr. Ochaya, safeguarding transcends administrative requirements and policy frameworks; it is an integral part of the Church’s mission. He highlighted the increased vulnerabilities in Sudan and South Sudan due to conflict, displacement, poverty, and limited access to essential services, making safeguarding more critical than ever.
Fr. Ochaya also pointed out emerging risks associated with digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence, particularly concerning children and vulnerable people. He challenged Church leaders to consider measures to protect privacy and prevent online exploitation and abuse. The Secretary General emphasized that safeguarding cannot be the responsibility of a few individuals; rather, it must become a shared responsibility involving all levels of Church leadership and personnel.
The two-day training is expected to strengthen the capacity of Church leaders to prevent abuse, respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, and promote safer environments for children and vulnerable adults. By the end of the program, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of their roles in safeguarding and will be equipped with practical tools to implement effective safeguarding measures within their dioceses. This initiative is part of the SSSBC’s broader efforts to enhance child protection and safeguarding across the region.
Key points
- The SSSBC’s training program aims to equip over 30 Catholic personnel with knowledge on safeguarding responsibilities and the identification of signs associated with abuse and neglect.
- Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor emphasized that safeguarding should be integrated into seminary formation to ensure future priests understand their role in protecting children and vulnerable adults.
- The training program seeks to create safe environments for children, vulnerable adults, and other individuals receiving pastoral and institutional services within Catholic dioceses in Sudan and South Sudan.
