20 November 2013 - Justice was a pre-requisite for sustainable peace in South Sudan, the Warrap State Minister for Social Development said in the state capital Kuajok today.

Speaking at a capacity building workshop on “Justice for Vulnerable Groups”, Victoria Tito said it was vital to put in place effective and speedy justice mechanisms for juveniles in conflict with the law to promote their reform.

Some 24 participants from the state judiciary, legal administration, police, prisons, government ministries and civil society discussed justice mechanisms and alternatives to judicial processes and imprisonment for juveniles, women, persons with mental disabilities and other persons belonging to vulnerable groups when they come in conflict with the law.

Ms. Tito noted the need to increase awareness on challenges faced by people with mental disabilities and develop specific policies to assist them when dealing with the justice system.

“We must also reduce instances of forced marriages and provide women with possibilities for personal development and employment,” she added.

The workshop, organized by UNMISS and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, was one of a series to be held in the other Greater Bahr El-Ghazal region. Similar meetings will be held in the Western Bahr El-Ghazal capital Wau and the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal capital Aweil next week.