Progress being made in southern Sudan

After decades of civil war, millions displaced and infrastructure toppled, southern Sudan is starting to rebuild. At the top of the priority list is establishing a new rule of law and effective courts, police and prisons, according the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

UNDP has been working with the government of southern Sudan and its people since January 2005, when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Sudan People’s Liberation Army.

“Two years ago there was no government of southern Sudan,” said Patrick Sweeting, Head of UNDP’s office in southern Sudan. “Now we are seeing justice institutions being established and staffed at all levels, and UNDP’s team in southern Sudan is supporting this process with training, technical advice and support, and infrastructure development.”

“Getting the law right is the most important part of helping rebuild the State,” according to UNDP’s Rule of Law Team Leader Sue Tatten. “People need to know that they will be able to resolve their disputes in a way that’s impartial and equitable according to southern Sudanese standards.”

For the full article, click here .