(RUWENG) – The Ruweng Administrative Area has held its first ever Rule of Law Forum with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), bringing together 15 participants from different sectors to address key governance and justice challenges in the region.
The participants included officials from the Ministry of Gender, local government authorities, youth leaders, and representatives of women’s groups. The discussions focused on ways to improve collaboration between institutions and communities in order to strengthen the rule of law.
According to UNMISS, the forum placed special attention on tackling gender based violence, improving coordination among stakeholders, training customary courts and police officers, and developing better infrastructure for justice institutions.
Natalie Mazur, a Rule of Law Officer with UNMISS, said the event was a step forward in ensuring that local communities take part in shaping their justice systems.
“The Forum helps build stronger relationships and proposes locally led actionable solutions that will make a meaningful impact in strengthening rule of law across the region,” she said.
Community leaders welcomed the initiative, noting that many challenges in Ruweng stem from weak legal structures and limited resources for justice institutions. They said the forum provided a rare opportunity for government, civil society, and international partners to discuss solutions together.
The Ruweng Administrative Area, like many parts of South Sudan, continues to face difficulties in enforcing laws, particularly in rural areas where customary courts handle most disputes. Limited training, scarce funding, and inadequate facilities have made it harder to provide fair and timely justice.
Participants agreed that regular training for local courts, police, and gender desks would improve confidence in the justice system. They also highlighted the need for infrastructure such as court buildings and detention centres, as many cases are currently handled in makeshift structures.
The forum concluded with a commitment to hold similar meetings in the future to track progress and promote practical steps towards improving governance in Ruweng. U
NMISS pledged ongoing technical support and capacity building to ensure that local institutions are better equipped to serve communities.
Focus Areas of Ruweng Rule of Law Forum
| Focus Area | Challenges Identified | Proposed Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Stakeholder Coordination | Lack of collaboration among actors | Regular joint forums and communication lines |
| Gender Based Violence | High cases with limited reporting mechanisms | Training, awareness, and survivor support |
| Customary Courts | Limited training and resources | Capacity building and workshops |
| Police Services | Inadequate training and facilities | Professional training and infrastructure |
| Infrastructure | Lack of proper court and detention facilities | Construction and rehabilitation programmes |
