3 July 2013 - Improved access to justice was vital in enhancing Lakes State security, Local Government Minister Abraham Makoi Bol said in the capital Rumbek today.

Speaking at a national workshop on traditional and formal justice, Mr. Bol said swift resolution of cases would result in reduced conflict. "Delay (in solving cases) is one of the root causes of continuous conflict (which plunges) the state into chaos and insecurity," he said.

The state minister called for increased support, including appointment of more judges. "I know the delay in adjudicating cases is due to lack of judges, (so) maintenance of law and order remains a challenge."

Greater Bahr El-Ghazal region's Acting Court of Appeal President Alexandor Mulandyang Jada promised to make efforts to increase the number of judges in the state.

However, he called for the state government to clarify the roles and jurisdiction of traditional courts.

"We can make significant progress if all the traditional courts are reorganized across the country," he said. "By this, the Chief Justice will give them powers which wouldn't conflict with statutory laws."

Some 45 participants, including judges and traditional chiefs from all 10 South Sudanese states, attended the workshop, which was organized by UNMISS and the UN Development Programme.