South Sudan judiciary begins expedited trials in Juba SGBV court
The Judiciary of South Sudan has begun a two-week expedited trial process at the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Juba, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
JUBA, South Sudan — The Judiciary of South Sudan has begun a two-week expedited trial process at the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Juba, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The proceedings began on 16 September and are scheduled to run until 29 September. UNMISS said the initiative is intended to advance pending criminal cases, including cases involving conflict-related sexual violence and sexual and gender-based violence.
The court is expected to hear 81 pending criminal cases currently before the Gender-Based Violence and Juvenile Court in Juba, UNMISS said. Of those cases, 66 involve allegations of rape.
Three judges will preside over the proceedings. UNMISS said the trials will be guided by the principles of judicial independence and due process.
A survivor-centred approach will also be used, with UNMISS saying it is intended to protect the privacy and well-being of victims and survivors during the judicial process.
“Prosecutors, defence advocates and legal counsel representing victims will perform their respective roles in accordance with the law and established judicial procedures,” UNMISS said in its statement.
The expedited trials are being conducted by the Judiciary of South Sudan with support from UNMISS and funding from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
UNMISS said the initiative is part of its continuing cooperation with the Judiciary of South Sudan under the judiciary’s Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2025–2029. The plan identifies clearing the case backlog and improving access to justice as priorities.
The statement did not provide details on the individual cases, including when the alleged offences occurred, the identities of the accused, or the current status of proceedings in each case.
