UNHCR and partners promote access to justice for refugees, IDPs, returnees and persons at risk of statelessness in South Sudan

As South Sudan continues to recover from years of conflict and displacement, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in partnership with the Government of South Sudan and justice sector actors, is working to ensure that refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and persons at risk of statelessness can access fair and inclusive justice systems.

Last week, a two-day Annual National Access to Justice Roundtable, organized by UNHCR, the Judiciary of South Sudan, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the South Sudan Bar Association, brought together more than 120 participants to focus on the rights of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and persons at risk of statelessness.

South Sudan faces significant barriers to justice. Years of conflict have weakened courts and judicial institutions. Legal services are scarce and often unavailable to poor families. Women, children, and persons with disabilities struggle to find protection in systems that frequently overlook their rights. Customary justice mechanisms, while present in communities across the country, often operate outside international human rights standards.

"Access to justice is not a privilege; it is a right," said Mesfin Degefu, UNHCR's acting Representative in South Sudan. "For someone who loses their home to conflict, or a woman who endures violence, this Roundtable is more than a dialogue; it is a vital step toward building inclusive systems that protect the most vulnerable and uphold the rule of law," he said.

The event, which was supported by the European Union Directorate-General for International Partnerships (EU INTPA), among other donors, produced concrete results: participating justice sector leaders, government representatives, and humanitarian partners agreed on a joint action plan outlining priority interventions and coordination mechanisms. These include expanding legal aid services to remote areas where displaced persons seek shelter, training judges and police on cases involving displaced populations and stateless persons, resolving property and land disputes that prevent returnees from rebuilding, strengthening protection for survivors of gender-based violence, and building stronger collaboration between courts and customary authorities.

"Access to justice is a cornerstone of peace and stability. By working together, we can ensure that every person in South Sudan, including refugees, IDPs and returnees, enjoys their rights under the law," said Hon. Mangar Buong Aluenge, Acting Minister of Interior.

As South Sudan advances justice reforms, UNHCR calls on donors and partners to continue supporting initiatives that empower communities, uphold rights, and build a foundation for lasting peace.

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For more information, please contact:

Carla Calvo, +211 927 141 812, [email protected]