Justice advocates and legal sector stakeholders are calling for an expanded number of mobile courts across South Sudan, citing the urgent need to improve access to justice for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees.
The call was made on Wednesday during the closing of a two-day roundtable on strengthening justice for displaced communities, held in Juba.
The meeting brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society, UN agencies, and legal professionals to assess existing gaps and propose solutions for delivering justice to vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the event, Mesfin Degefu, the Acting Representative of UNHCR in South Sudan, said mobile courts have played a crucial role in reducing case backlogs, shortening delays, and bringing judicial services closer to people living in protection sites, refugee camps, and hard-to-reach areas.
“Improving access to justice for women, children, and persons with disabilities requires coordinated efforts. Your perspectives reaffirm that access to justice is not merely a technical issue,” Mesfin said.
He added that mobile courts offer vital protection and stability for displaced communities, describing them as “a central pillar of dignity, protection, and stability.”
Thomas Jada James, Secretary of the South Sudan Bar Association, noted that many displaced people face barriers such as insecurity, lack of transportation, and limited legal awareness obstacles that make it nearly impossible for them to seek justice through formal courts.
“Access to justice is not a one-day event. It is a continuous and progressive process requiring sustained support from partners like UNHCR and others,” Jada said.
He emphasized that expanding mobile courts would fast-track case processing and help restore public trust in the rule of law.
Stakeholders at the roundtable urged stronger coordination between the judiciary, legal aid providers, and humanitarian partners to ensure mobile courts are regularly deployed, adequately funded, and supported with trained legal representation for vulnerable groups.
The meeting concluded with a shared call for long-term investment to promote accountability, strengthen legal protections, and ensure equal access to justice for all displaced people in South Sudan.
