Significant strides towards the reform of South Sudan’s judiciary were made at a high-powered workshop to validate a new report that will lay the foundations for a fair, transparent, robust and accessible legal system in the world’s newest nation.

The workshop, led by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, focused on validating a report by the Judicial Reforms Committee (JRC), setting out a series of recommendations for reform as envisaged in the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The report will be presented to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity for endorsement and implementation.

“After a very turbulent voyage through the rough seas, we have safely steered the ship of judicial reform to shore,” said JRC Chairperson, James Ogoola, at the opening of the event. “We can probably say ‘mission accomplished’.”

The workshop attracted several prominent political actors, including First Vice-President, Riek Machar Teny, Vice-President for the Economic Cluster, James Wani Igga and the Vice-President for the Service Cluster, Abdelbaggi Akol. It was also attended by senior government and judicial officials, as well as key representatives from the international community and civil society. This gathering underscored the significant collaboration and commitment to progress.

“An independent judiciary is essential to sustaining trust between the state and its people and the peaceful resolution of disputes in society. It is also central to efforts towards lasting peace and democratic governance in this country,” said UNMISS Senior Rule of Law Officer, Anees Ahmed. “We are committed to supporting you in implementing the recommendations in this important report.”

First Vice President, Riek Machar Teny, also stressed the importance of the Judicial Reform Committee report as the country transitions towards its first democratic elections as a sovereign state.