Juba: The Government of Japan has approved US$ 1 million to support UNDP in increasing access to justice and rule of law for conflicted affected communities and returnees in South Sudan. This funding will reinforce existing UNDP interventions in increasing the “availability, affordability, adaptability and acceptability” of access to justice for returnees in South Sudan.
IOM (International Organization for Migration) statistics demonstrate that 712,033 people returned to South Sudan between 30 October, 2010 and 10 January 2013. This high number of returnees coupled with the current austerity measures, has strained local governments’ capacity to provide basic services including access to justice and rule of law.
This initiative will target two counties that have high rates of returnees, the specific counties will be identified thorough a consultative process with state and local governments. The project aims to address both demand and supply side constraints in the justice sector by supporting both local government institutions and returnees. Japan’s support to this project will enable UNDP to provide logistical support to institutions to help them respond to the increased need; expand legal aid and legal empowerment through the provision of legal support to returnees at no cost; and provide vocational training to enhance the economic potential of returnees and increase their ability to afford and access justice services.
“This generous donation by the Government of Japan will enable the Government to address the constraints of access to justice in a timely manner, thereby demonstrating the dividends of peace” stated Balázs Horváth, UNDP, Country Directory. “In addition it will ensure that returnees can sustainably graduate from humanitarian assistance and begin rebuilding their communities”.
For further information, please contact:
Marguerite Nowak, Team Leader Communications, United Nations Development Programme, South Sudan marguerite.nowak@undp.org Cell: 095 619 1254