South Sudan: 81 cases in expedited trial, including 66 for rape

South Sudan’s judiciary launched an expedited session on Wednesday, September 16, in Juba to examine 81 pending criminal cases, including 66 rape cases. Three judges will preside over the specialized court for gender-based violence and juvenile cases for two weeks.

The initiative is supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy. The hearings will also address cases related to sexual violence committed in the context of the conflict, with measures in place to protect the privacy and well-being of victims and survivors.

The specialized court has been operating in Juba since December 2020. At its launch, Radio Tamazuj and Sudans Post reported that it was intended to expedite the handling of gender-based violence and juvenile cases while enhancing victims’ access to legal assistance and protection measures during hearings.

In the first quarter of 2026, UNMISS documented 71 individuals affected by conflict-related sexual violence and 34 distinct incidents of sexual and gender-based violence. This data is included in its report on violence against civilians published at the end of June.

The expedited session is set to conclude on September 29. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and representatives for the victims will participate according to the established judicial procedures, under the guidance of the three designated judges.