The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), successfully supported the deployment of a 35-day GBV and Juvenile Mobile Court at the Juba National Prison from 10 June to 29 July 2026. Implemented in partnership with the Judiciary of South Sudan, the South Sudan National Police Service, the National Prison Service of South Sudan, the Directorate of Public Prosecution, and the South Sudan Bar Association, the initiative brought justice services closer to vulnerable populations while addressing longstanding barriers to accessing formal justice.

The Mobile Court was established to tackle a significant backlog of gender-based violence (GBV) and juvenile cases that had accumulated between 2022 and 2025. By conducting daily court sessions at the Juba National Prison, the initiative enabled the timely adjudication of cases that had remained pending for years, reduced instances of prolonged pretrial detention, and strengthened public confidence in the administration of justice. It also addressed practical barriers to justice, including long travel distances to courts, financial constraints, and limited access to legal services, particularly for vulnerable individuals and their families.

Over the course of its 35-day deployment, the Mobile Court successfully completed 92 of the 109 identified backlog cases, significantly improving access to justice for survivors of GBV, children in conflict with the law, and their families. In addition, 118 of the 138 remand detainees awaiting trial at the Juba National Prison since 2022 benefited from the intervention. For these accused persons and their families, the Mobile Court provided long-awaited opportunities for the fair, transparent, and timely determination of their cases, bringing an end to years of uncertainty associated with prolonged pretrial detention. 

The 118 accused persons have now transitioned from remand status to serving their respective sentences at the Juba National Prison. The remaining 17 cases continue to be handled by the specialized GBV and Juvenile Court to ensure their determination in accordance with due process.

Beyond case adjudication, the initiative also promoted public awareness and legal literacy. With UNDP's support, a series of radio talk shows and public service announcements were broadcast to explain the purpose of the Mobile Court, the roles of the various justice institutions involved, and the rights of survivors, accused persons, children, and witnesses throughout the judicial process. These engagements encouraged greater public understanding of the justice system and reinforced confidence in the rule of law.

Bringing Justice within reach

The Mobile Court handled a range of GBV and juvenile criminal matters, ensuring that proceedings were conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law while safeguarding the rights of survivors, accused persons, children, and witnesses. The close collaboration among justice sector institutions demonstrated the value of coordinated, multi-sectoral responses in delivering effective justice services and strengthening institutional cooperation.
The successful conclusion of the Mobile Court represents an important milestone in UNDP's continued support to justice sector reform in South Sudan. By reducing case backlogs, addressing prolonged pretrial detention, and improving access to justice for vulnerable populations, the initiative has made a tangible contribution towards strengthening the rule of law and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Voices from the communities: The beneficiaries’ stories

1. John: Finding Closure After a Long Wait
John who lost his nephew in 2023 after a 17-year-old boy stabbed him at his residence said;
"Traveling to the main court was expensive, and I could not afford it any longer. Although we had reached an agreement with the family of the accused, they did not follow through with their responsibility."

After several court hearings this month, the three-year-old case was finally resolved through a court ruling that provided clarity and closure for all parties involved.

"I feel relieved and respected. Justice reached us. It means a lot to families like mine," John added.

2. Peter, Wilson, Alex and Raymond: A Fair Hearing and a Fresh Start
Among those who benefited from the Mobile Court were four teenage boys who had been on remand for murder charges since 2022. According to their accounts, each case arose from a violent altercation that resulted in the loss of life. 

During the proceedings, they were represented by defence counsel provided through the Mobile Court, ensuring their right to a fair hearing. Following the presentation of evidence and their defence, the Court sentenced three of the boys to five years' imprisonment each and one to ten years. While they accepted the Court's decisions, they expressed relief that, after years of prolonged pretrial detention and uncertainty, their cases had finally been concluded. They said;

"For months, I did not know when my case would be heard," Peter recalled. "The Mobile Court gave me a chance to be heard and to understand the legal process."

Following the court's decision, the boys now know the consequences of their actions and are working towards becoming better citizens.

"I am currently going to school here in the prison so that when I get out, I can become somebody better" Raymond said.

3. Rebecca: Hope for Vulnerable Families
Rebecca, a single mother of three, described the Mobile Court as a source of hope for vulnerable families. Her 9-year-old daughter faced an attempted rape by a 40-year-old male family member who lived near them, when she had gone to the market to buy food.

"I thought I would never be able to access legal assistance because of the distance and costs involved," she said.
After attending court sessions, the perpetrator was sentenced to 5years in prison and ordered to pay 6 cows and SSP 20 million. 

Rebecca was relieved that she was able to fight for her daughter and exercise her legal rights. They also benefited from counselling services provided by the social workers stationed at the Juba National Prison, "This experience taught me that justice is not only for those who have money. It is for everyone. The Mobile Court gave me hope and confidence," she said.

Strengthening the Rule of Law
The stories of John, Peter, Wilson, Alex and Raymond, and Rebecca reflect the broader impact of bringing justice services directly to communities. By reducing barriers to access to justice, the Mobile Court strengthened public trust in legal institutions and promoted peaceful and formal dispute resolution.

The Mobile Court initiative also contributed to national efforts to strengthen the rule of law, uphold human rights, promote accountability, and advance sustainable peace by improving access to timely and equitable justice for vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead
Following the successful conclusion of the 35-day GBV and Juvenile Mobile Court on 29 July 2026, communities have continued to express appreciation for the initiative and its contribution to improving access to justice. Many have also called for the expansion of the Mobile Court model to remote and underserved areas where access to formal justice services remains limited.

"Justice should not depend on where a person lives," said a local justice sector representative. "The Mobile Court demonstrates that when judicial services are brought closer to communities, lives are transformed, confidence is restored, and the foundations for lasting peace are strengthened."

UNDP remains committed to supporting justice sector institutions to strengthen access to fair, transparent, and timely justice for all citizens, particularly vulnerable and underserved communities across South Sudan.
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Disclaimer: Beneficiary names and personal details used in this article. have been changed at their request, to protect their privacy and confidentiality