LEER/JUBA, 11 May 2025 — For the first time in over a decade, a mobile court has successfully completed its proceedings in Leer County, Unity State, marking a pivotal step in reestablishing rule of law and access to justice in one of South Sudan’s most conflict-affected regions. The development was confirmed in a press release shared via the official UNMISS Facebook page.
The court began operations on 15 April as part of a joint effort by the Unity State Government, the Judiciary of South Sudan, and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with vital support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
During its deployment, the court heard 57 criminal and civil cases, tackling grave issues including murder, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and forced and early marriage. A total of 32 criminal cases were adjudicated, resulting in 28 convictions. Eleven individuals were acquitted or had their cases dismissed, and nine others were released after being found wrongfully imprisoned. The court also secured eight convictions in SGBV cases, five of which involved members of the security forces—signaling growing accountability in the justice system.
The mobile court’s outcomes delivered long-awaited justice for victims and their families, helping to restore community confidence in legal institutions.
“Through the Leer mobile court, the Unity State Government and the Judiciary of South Sudan enabled women and children, those living in poverty, and other marginalized segments of society to access justice and receive redress,” said Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan.
“These joint efforts in remote areas of the country demonstrate that access to justice for all is vital in reducing violence, resolving deep-rooted grievances, ending abuse and exploitation of women and children, and enabling durable peace and stability to take root,” Cong added.
The initiative was supported through funding from the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization and Resilience (RSRTF) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba. In advance of the court’s arrival, UNMISS facilitated a preliminary investigation mission from 28 March to 14 April, during which more than 100 criminal complaints were recorded. The mission also included training for 20 new investigators to strengthen legal capacity in southern Unity.
Since February 2024, mobile courts have resolved 314 cases in Koch, Mayom, Bentiu, and Leer, reflecting growing public demand for legal redress. In response, the State Governor endorsed the establishment of another mobile court in Bentiu in December 2024—an indication of expanding institutional commitment to justice and accountability across Unity State.
