 under the theme “Access to Justice” in Juba. ){kind=link}
By Gattuor Kier
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs launched a three-day workshop from October 23-25, 2024, to validate the report and recommendations of the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) under the theme “Access to Justice” in Juba.
The workshop, a significant step toward justice reform, was officially opened by the First Vice President of South Sudan and Chair of the Governance Cluster, Dr. Riek Machar. High-profile attendees included Vice Presidents James Wani and Hussein Abdelbagi, along with other top government officials and South Sudan’s international partners.
Dr. Riek Machar emphasized the importance of judicial reform as the cornerstone of achieving justice and equality in South Sudan, stressing that the recommendations must reflect the nation’s diversity.
“Without the JRC report, we will miss a lot because I believe the report will not only influence the judiciary but also other aspects, including the work of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and the National Constitutional Review Commission. It will shape how we integrate customary laws, which are the most prevalent in the country.” Dr. Riek Machar adds
In his opening remarks, the South Sudan Chief Justice Chan Reech and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Justice Ruben Madol, along with other officials, highlighted the significance of the judicial reform process as a milestone toward achieving justice, freedom, lasting peace, and prosperity for all South Sudanese.
Hon. Justice Ruben Madol expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the committee despite facing significant challenges. He acknowledged the resilience of the Judicial Reform Committee in bringing this crucial workshop to fruition.
‘’this day is very important to us because it’s about the implementation of the provisions of the agreement, more importantly we are about to close a chapter on one of the most important requirements in the agreement. Judicial reform of the judiciary is at the heart of the reform of all rules of law sector’’
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Chief of Staff Berhanu Kebede commended the work of the JRC and expressed hope that the report’s recommendations would lead to transformational change in the justice system.
“The establishment of the Ad-ho judicial reform committee by the R.TGoNU in 2022 represented a clear commitment by the government to address judicial reform in the republic of South Sudan. The JRC was mandated by the revitalized peace agreement to study and make recommendations to R.TGoNU on appropriate judicial reforms for its consideration. Judiciary is an important arm of government and effective independent and impartial judiciary is indispensable for dispensing justice in eradicating impunity and achieving lasting peace, stability and democratization” Berhanu Said.
“The Judicial Reform Committee’s work and its recommendations have the potential to change the face of South Sudan, making justice accessible and fair for all.”
The Judicial Reform Committee was established by Article 1.17.6 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to draft recommendations for establishing a credible, independent, and impartial constitutional court as a critical component of South Sudan’s constitutional-making process.
It was formed two years ago under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the JRC is a key player in advancing the nation’s judicial reforms.