Juba/ Bentiu, 7 September 2026 - In collaboration with the Unity State Government, the Judiciary of South Sudan (JOSS) and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is supporting the deployment of the Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons Camp Court from 7–26 September 2026.
The Bentiu IDP Camp Court is an initiative of the Unity State Government’s Task Force on Combating Drug Abuse and Gang Violence, bringing together security, justice and health actors.
The Court is being deployed in cooperation with the Community High Committee (CHC) of the Bentiu IDP Camp in response to repeated concerns and requests from the community for stronger justice and rule of law mechanisms to address drug use, gang violence and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly affecting children and youth.
The Court, which begins operations today, will hear cases relating to SGBV, drugs and gang violence. Its deployment aims to bring the formal justice system directly to residents of the IDP camp and an opportunity for serious offences to be investigated and adjudicated.
This deployment builds on the re-establishment of the Judiciary in Unity State in May 2026 after 13 years of absence and the seven mobile courts deployed across Unity State since 2024 to combat impunity, reduce violence, deter crime and contribute to peace and security in the State.
The Bentiu IDP Camp Court is funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba.
Notes to Editors
- Bentiu IDP camp is South Sudan’s largest camp for internally displaced persons, hosting more than 100,000 people. Established as a Protection of Civilians site following the outbreak of conflict in 2013, it was re-designated as an IDP camp in 2021 and remains a major focus of UNMISS’ civilian protection efforts in Bentiu.
- The Task Force on Combating Drug Abuse and Gang Violence in Unity State is a Unity State Government-led, multi-sectoral mechanism established in response to increasing drug-related and gang violence across the state, particularly in the IDP camp, Bentiu town and Rubkona. Chaired by the Director of the South Sudan National Police Service Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with the Ministry of Health as Deputy Chair, the Task Force brings together justice, security and UNMISS representatives. It coordinates investigations, accountability, prevention and community engagement to address drug abuse, gang violence and related criminal activity.
- Following the outbreak of conflict in 2013, permanent judicial and prosecutorial capacity was restored in Bentiu only in May 2026. To support access to justice, combat impunity and promote accountability in support of peace and security, UNMISS has supported the deployment of seven mobile courts across Unity State since 2024, including in Southern Unity and Mayom. These courts have resulted in the adjudication of 517 cases, following a period in which no cases were adjudicated through the formal justice system in Unity State in 2023.
- Media are encouraged to cover the proceedings of the Bentiu IDP Camp Court.