By Matik Kueth
The Governor of Unity State, Riek Biem, officially inaugurated a mobile court in Bentiu on Tuesday to boost accessibility to justice and strengthen legal activities in the state.
The mobile tribunal will serve communities in areas where access to traditional courts is extremely challenging for locals.
During the opening ceremony, Governor Biem underlined the significance of the mobile courts in ensuring justice is accessible to the locals, regardless of their geographic location.
He stressed that in addition to facilitating court proceedings, the mobile court will inform the public about their rights and the legal procedures that are open to them.
James Clement, the county commissioners’ Representative, stated that the court’s operation would assist in addressing the high crime rates in the area, noting that “This court operation will help in exiting crime levels we are in.”
However, Madeng Latjor, a mobile court team representative, said, “Scandals are put under the jurisdiction of the rule of law so that justice can be achieved.”
Meanwhile, Stella Forasade, UNMISS’s Representative, underscored the mission’s support for the South Sudanese government by encouraging accountability and transparency.
“Our aim is to help in accountability and transparency in support of the Government of South Sudan. With the deployment of the mobile court, many will have access to the justice system in the Unity State,” she stated.
According to her, the court’s activities will help to lessen detrimental customs like child marriage and settlements for blood recompense.
The event was attended by representatives from UN humanitarian agencies, state government officials, members of the South Sudan Police Service (SSPS), and the SSPDF’s 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Mathew Pul-Jang Top.