First judicial mission to remote Duk County brings fresh hope for justice

JONGLEI - For the first time, judges from Jonglei State's High Court and County Court travelled to the remote areas of Poktap and Duk Padiet in Duk County, bringing the formal justice system to communities that have long struggled to access it.

During an eleven-day deployment, a Rule of Law team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan along with the judges, a prosecutor, police investigator and court clerk, engaged with more than 110 community members, including 30 women.

Supported jointly by UNMISS and the Non-Governmental Organization Community in Need Aid, the mission assessed protection concerns, strengthened accountability for crimes, and expanded access to justice.

The deployment produced immediate results with the investigator and prosecutor reviewing 12 criminal cases in Poktap. In Duk Padiet, five civil disputes were successfully settled.

Beyond resolving cases, the visit also exposed critical gaps, including the absence of female justice officials which creates significant obstacles for women reporting sensitive crimes.

"It is very difficult to pursue serious cases because there are no women to handle them. Our cases are different from those of men," said community leader Aduk Deng Chol.

She also raised concerns about rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly involving girls aged 13 to 15 who face early pregnancy and forced marriage.

According to Majuch Andrew Akuei, CINA's Team Leader, 128 protection cases have been recorded in Duk County since the beginning of the year, including 44 cases of gender-based violence and eight of sexual violence.

"We have also documented 24 family tracing and reunification cases involving children separated during the fighting. Four children have been reunited with their families, while efforts continue to find the remaining kids," he said.

The mission further revealed serious capacity gaps within local law enforcement.

Police investigator, Dut Dau, explained that many officers lack the skills needed to investigate serious crimes, particularly cases of sexual violence.

"We found suspects being detained without proper investigations or case procedures. Many serious criminal cases are referred to local chiefs rather than handled through the formal justice system. There is an urgent need for trained personnel.”

Participants concluded the mission by calling for a stronger judicial presence in Duk County, improved handling of serious criminal cases, and the establishment of a special court to address crimes linked to recurring communal violence between communities.

For many residents, the deployment represented more than a legal mission; it was the first tangible sign that formal justice can reach even the most remote communities.

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By Achol Kur Marial