Promoting Access to Justice and fostering a Culture of Human Rights in Southern Sudan




 
Fast Facts:
• Project Document
Location: Aweil, Bentiu, , Bor, Juba, Malakal, Wau, and Yei
Duration: April 2006 -March 2008
Focus area: Democratic Governance
Donors: The Netherlands ,
Denmark,
European Commission
Total budget: US$ 6,555,084
Partners:
Implemented by UNDP (Direct Execution), in close cooperation with Government and civil society stakeholders.
Delivery for 2007: US$ 2,691,000
Contact person in UNDP: Sue Tatten, Rule of Law Head of Unit
sue.tatten@undp.org
Background
The prolonged civil war in the Sudan, which ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) called for the establishment of new laws as the cornerstones for lasting peace, unity and democracy. In spite of the establishment of key institutions of governance and pronouncements on constitutional rights, the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) faces numerous challenges in the areas of access to justice and rule of law.

In Southern Sudan, the transition from military rule to a governance system, based on the rule of law, is encumbered by capacity deficits in legislative, judiciary and law-enforcement institutions, as well as in traditional authorities, in promoting the rule of law and facilitating efficient, equitable, and accessible justice systems. The physical infrastructure and operational equipment of most institutions have been badly maintained and in some cases are non-existent, and there is a dearth of adequately trained judges, lawyers, police and prison staff. Traditional leaders, responsible for addressing disputes through the use of customary mechanisms, lack knowledge on the newly established transitional legal framework and how customary law relates to the CPA and other statutory laws.

These institutional and operational gaps are compounded by a considerable lack of legal knowledge, both substantive and procedural, amongst the general population. This is exacerbated by limited civil society and community-based organizations to address the training and advocacy needs of the populace. The formal mechanisms to address criminal behaviour and human rights violations are inadequate for addressing the current post-conflict environment.

Objectives

The project's objectives are to create rights awareness at community levels, advocate for the promotion and respect of the transitional legal framework, and provide support to the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission to build its staff capacity for protecting people's rights and linking with community-based rule of law activities

Snapshots of the project's major achievements

• Conducted training and awareness-raising of local stakeholders (civil society and government) in all project locations (Aweil, Bentiu, Bor, Juba, Malakal, Wau, and Yei)
• Established a Justice and Confidence Centre (JCC) in Juba, and supported the Southern Sudan Law Society Legal Aid Centre in Yei.
• Trained new human rights monitors for the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission
• Established Rule of Law fora in Bentiu, Bor, Malakal, Wau and Yei to link justice providers with communities.
• Implemented quick impact projects to support civil society and rule of law institutions at state and county levels.


 
 
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