MOGADISHU, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) announced that 60 police officers have completed five weeks of intensive training on child protection and welfare in armed conflict.

The officers, drawn from the Ghana Formed Police Unit (FPU) and Individual Police Officers (IPOs) from Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zambia, improved their skills on various topics, including children's rights, preventing sexual exploitation, protecting civilians, and addressing gender-based violence.

"The primary role of police in peacekeeping operations is to protect civilians, particularly the rights and welfare of children. Therefore, police officers must receive proper training to prevent the killing and maiming of vulnerable children," AUSSOM Senior Protection and Human Rights Officer Gloria Jaase said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, on Wednesday evening.

Jaase added that the training aims to enhance officers' knowledge and skills in upholding the rights of vulnerable groups in conflict zones.

"Throughout this training, the officers demonstrated a high level of conduct and discipline. With their technical contributions and active participation, we are confident that they can fulfill their mandate," she said.

Participants said that the training broadened their understanding of human rights and pledged to uphold the rights of vulnerable groups in their peacekeeping duties.

"This training has provided in-depth knowledge that will help me achieve my mission objectives in Somalia and will also be valuable once I complete my tour of duty," said Gifty Essel-Dadzie, the Ghana FPU logistical and public information officer. Enditem

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