LocationsInside South Sudan’s Mobile GBV Court at Juba National Prison
Waiting for Justice
March 3, 2026
GBV Mobile Court team; judges, advocates, social workers and the police
UNDP/Sarah Abraham
In the heart of Juba town, modest office rooms inside the National Prison were transformed into temporary courtrooms. In these small spaces—far from the formal halls of justice—survivors and detainees finally had the chance to be heard. For many, this moment felt like a dream realized. Some had waited years behind bars without ever standing before a judge; others, despite reliving the most painful days of their lives, found comfort knowing their voices finally mattered.
A Court with a Mission
To address the alarming backlog of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and ease overcrowding inside the prison, a 23 personnel mobile court was established. Its mandate: deliver swift justice.
Over a period of forty days, the mobile court successfully concluded 60 cases and released 62 inmates on bail, offering hope to survivors and detainees alike who had long awaited due process.
Mary (not her real name), the mother of one survivor, expressed relief after her daughter’s case was concluded.
“I feel that justice was served because the boy will be held in prison, but I wish he had received even more time for what he did to my daughter.”
Mary’s Story
On an ordinary afternoon, Mary’s seven-year-old daughter went to play at a neighbor’s house—a familiar and trusted place. Moments later, Mary heard her daughter’s screams. She ran quickly, only to discover the perpetrator, an older sibling of her daughter’s friend, had fled.
Mary rushed her daughter to the hospital. Fortunately, the doctor confirmed the child had swelling but no further injuries. Mary and her husband reported the case to the police immediately. That was more than two years ago.
The mobile court settled their case within a week.
For Mary, the long wait is finally over. She can now focus on her daughter’s healing and future.
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Peter’s Story: “I waited three years to see a judge.”
Peter (not his real name), a forty-three-year-old man, also found justice through the mobile court—after nearly three years of detention without trial.
According to Peter, a young girl had been brought to him for marriage in line with his community’s traditions. A few days later, he noticed she had a bed wetting condition. When he sought clarification from her family, their answers were unclear, so he decided to return her to them.
Upon reaching her home, Peter was immediately arrested. He spent 14 days at the police station before being transferred to Juba National Prison, where he remained for the next three years.
His repeated attempts to find a lawyer or appear before a judge went nowhere. His health deteriorated, and he was later diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Through the mobile GBV court, his case was finally heard—and dismissed.
“Today, I am a free man. But many are still in prison just like me—held for years without any chance to appear before the court.”
Inside the women's prison chapel, the conclusion of the GBV Mobile Court
UNDP/Sarah Abraham
Challenges on the Road to Justice
While the mobile court has transformed lives, it is only a small step toward addressing the wider crisis in access to justice across South Sudan’s prisons.
Legal aid remains limited. Survivors often fear retaliation or damage to their reputation. Many detainees lack representation or even basic knowledge of their rights.
Judge Lawrence Jaja, who served in the mobile court, emphasized that despite the progress, much more remains to be done.
He noted a significant backlog of cases—some dating as far back as 2020.
Latjor Kueth, a senior public prosecutor in Central Equatoria State assigned specifically to the mobile court, highlighted its importance:
“Instead of having to go look for the court, the court has been brought to them.”
Social worker Shuruna Mathew Tombe, based at Juba Prison and experienced mobile court operations, echoed the concern.
She explained that many inmates are on demand without ever seeing a courtroom. Others remain detained for reasons unrelated to criminal offenses—such as the inability to pay dowry, a traditional requirement for marriage.
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A Path Forward
The mobile GBV court has offered a glimpse of what accessible justice can look like. It reduced the backlog of cases, reunited families, and offered survivors and detainees long denied closure.
But its impact also highlights the urgent need for expanded legal aid services, more regular mobile courts, and stronger systems to protect survivors and uphold due process.
For now, the court stands as a symbol of hope—and a reminder of how many still wait for justice.
What does Justice look like now?
Eye Radio Reports – Justice served: Four sentenced to 14years for Sherikat sexual assault case
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the GBV survivor, the perpetrators and their families, members of the media and the public witnessed the conclusion and the passing of judgement for the sexual assault of a 16year – old by a gang in June 2025.
Residents of Gumbo, Sherikat were grappling with a disturbing video circulating on social media depicting a minor girl, who was being raped a group of boys between the ages of 18 to 25, while one was recording, three were actively committing the crime while others stood in a queue waiting for their turn.
The incident which took place in a gang hot spot area of Mapaw, caused an uproar in the public and fortunately an activist who chose to remain anonymous, reported the case to the Criminal Investigation Department of the South Sudan National police. Within a short number of days, a suspect was apprehended through details on social media where the video was posted. The other suspects were captured thereafter.
In statement by the police Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, said the girl returned home after the incident and had not reported to her parents the horror she had just experienced. However, at the time of his statement she had been taken to Juba teaching hospital for treatment and psychosocial support. Over the next few weeks, the remaining suspects captured were remanded in police custody. (RAPE; Gumbo-Sherikat Juba’s top Gang Territory – One Citizen Daily Newspaper)
The Mobile court, which was established just a few months after the incident, with support from the Kingdom of Netherlands, prioritized this case among other GBV cases that had laid dormant for years without reaching the court.
High Court Judge Peter Maze who ruled the case, found the four adult defendants guilty – violating Articles 48 and 247 of the South Sudan Panel Code Act, 2008. They were sentenced to 14years in prison and ordered to pay reparation of 25 cows each to the father of the girl. While the two minors who also participated in the crime were ordered for 5 years in Juvenile Reformatory Centre. Read here for more details of the story. (Justice served: Four sentenced to 14 years for Sherikat sexual assault case - Eye Radio)
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