A month-long mobile court held in Bor has helped tackle a huge backlog of long-pending cases and delivered justice for both the victims of crimes and alleged offenders who were finally granted their right to a fair trial.

The court, comprising of two judges with High Court powers and two from the County Court, considered more than 100 cases, including 35 serious criminal matters, and reviewed case files involving inmates detained through customary court processes.

In addition to ensuring that justice is served, the initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will also assist with decongesting the overcrowded prison.

While as many cases as possible were dealt with within the time and funding available, 25 percent of cases are still pending.

“From the financial perspective of humanitarians, especially UNDP, we have finished what we have available for this year," said UNDP Rule of Law Officer, Wilfred Gitara. “We call on other partners to support the continuation of the court to ensure all cases are disposed of.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan also supported the court proceedings by providing technical assistance, drawing on its significant experience with the deployment of similar courts across the country. This illustrates the close partnership between UNMISS and UNDP and is an example of how United Nations entities can complement each other in strengthening the justice system.

“Mobile courts help fill critical gaps in justice delivery in areas where formal institutions are not yet fully present,” said Anees Ahmed, the Chief of UNMISS’ Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section.

“Through joint efforts by national authorities, UNDP and UNMISS, these courts ensure that communities in remote locations have access to timely, credible judicial services. They help reinforce the rule of law while longer-term, sustainable justice institutions continue to develop.”

The court process was also embraced by local legal practitioners.

“The mobile court has been very helpful in addressing many cases, ranging from murder to theft,” said Advocate Garang Deng Ador. “Because it is temporary though, we still have a backlog and need support from partners, including the Government, to continue our efforts to strengthen the delivery of justice in Jonglei.”