The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding mobile court services in South Sudan, a critical initiative delivering justice to remote and conflict-affected communities. Currently operational in Central Equatoria and Unity states, these courts address severe cases, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), while bridging gaps in formal legal systems.
Since March 4, 2026, the Central Equatoria mobile court has resolved 12 of 23 cases across Morobo, Yei, and Lainya counties, with eight involving SGBV. Meanwhile, the newly deployed Unity State court in Leer began hearings on March 23 and will operate until April 17, tackling criminal and civil matters such as murder and conflict-related sexual violence.
UN officials emphasize the initiative’s role in empowering women and girls, historically marginalized in legal processes. Data from the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reveals a stark contrast: while no cases were resolved in Unity State in 2023, mobile courts facilitated 449 case closures between 2024 and 2025, signaling a transformative shift in justice accessibility.
This year’s deployments build on prior successes, with local authorities highlighting reduced case backlogs and increased public trust. “These courts are lifelines for communities cut off from formal institutions,” stated a Ministry of Justice representative, underscoring plans to expand the model nationwide.
