Unity State High Court concludes proceedings in Bentiu IDP camp

The Unity State High Court concluded its proceedings in the Bentiu camp for Internally Displaced People (IDPs), where it heard criminal cases involving drug-related offences, gang violence, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

According to a statement from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Monday, since beginning proceedings in the camp on 7 September, the High Court has adjudicated 20 criminal cases, including the first drug-related cases ever adjudicated in Unity State.

“From today (Monday), the same High Court will continue hearing cases that were reported during its deployment from its permanent location in Bentiu to the camp, with more than 70 criminal cases reported for investigation and trial during the court’s presence in the camp,” the statement reads in part. “The 20 cases decided resulted in 17 individuals convicted, while 14 individuals were acquitted or had their cases dismissed.”

“For the first time in Unity State, drug-related offences proceeded to trial, following the arrest of almost 60 people in connection with drug dealing and use,” the statement added.

The High Court deployment to the Bentiu camp was an initiative of the Unity State Government’s Task Force on Combating Drug Abuse and Gang Violence, which brings together justice, security and health actors. The court and integrated investigation team were deployed in cooperation with the Community High Committee in response to repeated concerns and requests from the camp community for stronger justice and rule of law mechanisms to address drug use, gang violence and SGBV, particularly affecting children and youth.

“In parallel with court proceedings, the Task Force conducted daily detention inspections to address community concerns regarding arbitrary detention, resulting in the release of 67 people. A further 12 people were released during court proceedings, bringing the total number to 79,” UNMISS said. “The Task Force conducted awareness activities with youth in the camp on the harmful effects of drug use and provided information on SGBV-related offences.”

“It also conducted inspections of pharmacies in the camp to help prevent the distribution of controlled substances, particularly following concerns about the links between drug use, gang violence and SGBV,” the statement added.

Community representatives reported a significant improvement in security in the camp during the court’s presence, including a marked reduction in gang violence and insecurity, while the availability of drugs was reported to have reduced substantially.

The court proceedings were funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba.

The Bentiu camp is South Sudan’s largest camp for internally displaced persons, hosting more than 100,000 people. Established as a Protection of Civilians site following the outbreak of conflict in 2013, it was re-designated as an IDP camp in 2021 and remains a major focus of UNMISS’ civilian protection efforts in Bentiu.

The Task Force on Combating Drug Abuse and Gang Violence is a Unity State Government-led, multi-sectoral mechanism established in response to increasing drug-related and gang violence across the state. Chaired by the Director of the South Sudan National Police Service Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with the Ministry of Health as Deputy Chair, the Task Force brings together representatives from justice, security, and UNMISS. It coordinates investigations, accountability, prevention, and community engagement to address drug abuse, gang violence, and related criminal activity.

After the outbreak of conflict in 2013, Bentiu restored permanent judicial and prosecutorial capacity only in May 2026. To support access to justice, combat impunity and promote accountability in support of peace and security, UNMISS has supported the deployment of seven mobile courts across Unity State since 2024, including in Southern Unity and Mayom, and the high court proceedings in the Bentiu IDP Camp.

These courts have resulted in the adjudication of 537 cases, following a period in which no cases were adjudicated through the formal justice system in Unity State in 2023.

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