A mobile court is set to begin operations in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, from 2–16 December 2025, as part of efforts to bring justice services closer to communities lacking permanent judicial institutions.

In a statement shared with Radio Tamazuj, UNMISS said the initiative—funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba—is being carried out by South Sudan’s Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with support from the UN peacekeeping mission.

“Prior to the court’s deployment, UNMISS facilitated an investigative mission by the Ministry of Justice and other legal actors between 4 and 13 November,” the statement noted. The team reviewed and cleared 46 cases for trial, including 24 involving sexual and gender-based violence—21 of which were rape cases—mostly affecting minors. Six murder cases and several other serious offences were also prepared for hearing.

A follow-up public consultation in Yei brought together 42 representatives from government, police, the SSPDF, civil society, the media, and court administration. Key obstacles were highlighted, including the lack of a resident judge, persistent insecurity in greater Yei, stigma toward survivors, weak police investigative capacity, and inadequate court and prison facilities.

The mobile court will hear all vetted cases and will also accept new filings from Yei, Lainya, and Morobo counties. Victims and witnesses will be supported by a local civil society group, with dedicated legal aid for both prosecution and defense.