UNMISS-supported mobile court provides long-awaited justice in southern Unity

UNITY – Nyaluda Tut was detained for 15 days after being accused of theft and says she was tortured while in custody.

The 26-year-old feels that her life has been saved after her case was dismissed by a mobile court held in Leer, southern Unity State.

“Access to justice is vital for vulnerable people,” shares Nyaluda. “I encourage other women to report their cases and seek legal aid because too many suffer in silence and fear.”

She is one of hundreds of South Sudanese benefitting from the roll-out of mobile courts across the country, which are helping to strengthen the formal justice system which has been decimated by decades of conflict, forcing communities to rely on traditional mechanisms to secure accountability for crimes.

“Customary courts often violate our rights and oppress us further,” laments 35-year-old victim Elizabeth Nyuot James. “We urgently need formal justice systems in place at every level in South Sudan.”

The latest court in southern Unity is hearing cases in Leer County and Bentiu, led by the South Sudanese judiciary and Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization and Resilience, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba.

“The mobile court sessions emphasize the importance of delivering justice in areas with limited access,” explains said Natalie Mazur, UNMISS Rule of Law Officer.

“Beyond simply providing verdicts, this initiative is crucial for the development of new investigators, who gain valuable experience from the investigation stage through to the trial. Ultimately, this strengthens the justice system for the long term.”

Launched in March, the initiative aimed to address the overwhelming backlog of cases pending in remote places such as Panyijiar, Koch, Mayiendit, and Leer counties.

“This process respects everyone's rights and emphasizes how certain harmful cultural practices have negatively impacted our community. Communities must end such practices and collaborate to promote equality and protection for all,” shares police investigator, Nyawel Liah Diu, highlighting the court's important role in tackling crimes against women and girls.

So far, the court has decided more than 64 criminal and civil cases, convicted 18 people and acquitted or dismissed cases against 20 others. Overall, 140 cases were reported for investigation.

“The impact has been significant and demonstrates that the government is fully committed to ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone,” affirms Unity’s Public Prosecutor, Madeng Latjor Madeng.

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By Jacob Ruai