Strengthening justice, building peace: UNHCR–KOICA training transforms local justice systems in Ruweng Administrative Area, South Sudan
Strengthening justice, building peace: UNHCR–KOICA training transforms local justice systems in Ruweng Administrative Area, South Sudan
Local police officers and prison staff during a justice and human rights training in Jamjang, facilitated by UNHCR and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Bentiu Rule of Law and Correction Department and funded by KOICA.
On the 11th, 12th and 16th December 2025, a series of targeted trainings on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Human Rights Standards, led by UNHCR Jamjang with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has delivered a tangible boost to justice delivery, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence in refugee-hosting communities across Ruweng.
Implemented under the KOICA-funded project From Vulnerability to Empowerment: Building Safe and Secure Communities, under the output on community sensitization, peace education, and strengthened feedback and complaint mechanisms, the initiative brought together more than 200 frontline justice actors—police officers, prison wardens, customary and bench court members, prosecutors, and judges—from both refugee and host communities. The trainings were jointly facilitated by UNHCR and UNMISS Bentiu’s Rule of Law and Corrections Department, underscoring a coordinated and system-wide approach to access to justice.
Why this training mattered
In refugee-hosting settings, local justice actors are often the first—and sometimes only—point of contact for resolving disputes, protecting rights, and maintaining community safety. Yet inconsistent application of human rights standards, weak case documentation, and limited use of ADR mechanisms have historically increased protection risks and eroded trust in justice institutions.
This training directly addressed those gaps. By strengthening practical skills and reinforcing legal and human rights standards, the initiative helped justice actors shift from ad hoc decision-making to more consistent, fair, and accountable practices.
Practical skills with immediate impact
Delivered through interactive workshops, case studies, and experience sharing, the training emphasized real-world application:
Police officers enhanced their capacity in community policing, criminal investigations, GBV and CRSV response, and professional case handling—contributing to safer camps and improved public confidence.
Prison and correction officers strengthened compliance with national and international standards, improved record-keeping, and adopted better safeguards for vulnerable detainees, directly improving conditions of detention.
Customary and bench court members deepened their understanding of jurisdictional limits, fair hearing guarantees, ethical conduct, and mediation techniques—leading to more transparent proceedings and increased use of ADR to resolve disputes peacefully.
A catalyst for peaceful coexistence
One of the most significant impacts of the training was the strengthened collaboration between refugee and host community justice structures. By learning together, participants built mutual understanding and harmonized approaches to resolving disputes, reducing tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Justice actors reported increased confidence in applying ADR mechanisms, helping communities resolve conflicts faster, fairly, and without escalation. Improved documentation and follow-up practices further strengthened accountability across institutions.
Advancing Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus
The training directly advanced the Peace (P) component of the HDP Nexus by:
Enhancing community awareness of rights and justice processes
Strengthening local complaint-handling and dispute resolution mechanisms
Reducing protection risks through improved justice service delivery
Supporting long-term peacebuilding and community engagement in Ruweng
This complements the other outputs of the KOICA-funded project which includes provision of emergency shelter (H), transitional shelter (D), water and sanitation facilities (D), and assisting the most vulnerable by addressing their specific needs.
Looking ahead
The ADR and human rights training has laid a strong foundation for a more rights-based, community-centered justice system in Ruweng Administrative Area. Its impact is already visible in improved professionalism, increased use of peaceful dispute resolution, and stronger trust between communities and justice institutions.
To sustain these gains, UNHCR and partners will continue to prioritize mentorship, refresher trainings, and stronger coordination among justice actors—ensuring that refugees and host communities alike can access fair, effective, and humane justice. The initiative demonstrates how targeted capacity building can translate into real protection outcomes, stronger institutions, and lasting peace.
