During opening remarks of the session, Mr. William K. Mulbal, LNP Deputy Inspector General for Training & Manpower Development and Maj. T. M. Duo, AFL Commanding Officer of Camp Ware noted that this training is key for the promotion of human rights in the security sector at all levels and urged AFL and LNP to respect the rule of law. The UNMIL Security Sector Reform Officer also highlighted the need to enhance collaboration between the LNP and the AFL in order to allow the full implementation of the MOU.

 

Following remarks, UNMIL SSR Officer Germana Dalberto and Human Rights Officer Jayjay Roosevelt presented a session on the MoU and its processes that led to a working session to identify main challenges and recommendations for its implementation. Amongst the challenges identified by the participants are the continual resistant to the LNP arrest by AFL soldiers, the lack of coordination between AFL and LNP, the lack of understanding of the MoU as well as clarity regarding procedural to be followed by AFL/military police when arresting a soldier for criminal offense, LNP failure to acquaint AFL soldiers with their Miranda rights, the prolonged pre-trial detention of soldiers, the lack of follow up and feedback on the outcome of the cases by AFL soldiers accused of committing crimes.

They further recommended the decentralization of the training on the MoU and dissemination of the document to low ranking soldiers. They also suggested LNP to prioritize cases involving AFL, to share contact lists, and to hold joint radio talk-show for awareness rising on the MoU and human rights. A team of AFL and LNP was designated to compile the challenges and recommendations for further actions that will enhance the implementation. The session was attended by the 30 participants (15 AFL & 15 LNP with 30% female)