Author|Chuol Jay|CRN| The Judiciary of South Sudan has launched a two-week expedited trial session at the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Court in Juba to address a backlog of pending criminal cases.
The initiative, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, began on Wednesday and will run until September 29, 2026.
The expedited proceedings will focus on pending criminal cases, including cases involving conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and sexual and gender-based violence.
According to the Judiciary, the court is expected to hear 81 pending criminal cases, including 66 rape cases, currently before the Gender-Based Violence and Juvenile Court in Juba.
Three judges will preside over the proceedings, with the trials conducted in accordance with judicial independence, due process and established legal procedures.
The Judiciary says a survivor-centred approach will be applied throughout the proceedings to protect the privacy, dignity and well-being of victims and survivors.
Prosecutors, defence lawyers and legal counsel representing victims will participate in the proceedings in accordance with their respective legal mandates.
The initiative is part of ongoing cooperation between UNMISS and the Judiciary of South Sudan to support the implementation of the Judiciary’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2029).
The strategic plan identifies reducing the case backlog and improving access to justice as key priorities for the Judiciary.