UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
6 Nov
2014
Justice
Enhancing Rule of Law, Justice Mechanisms in Darfur
Strengthening and restoring rule of law institutions, including traditional justice mechanisms and prison facilities, constitute a core aspect of UNAMID’s work in Darfur and contribute toward establishing sustainable peace in the region.
By Emadeldin Rijal
The ongoing conflict in Darfur, which has led to the displacement of thousands, has severely affected existing state institutions across the region. Jurisprudence, the police apparatus and prison facilities are key areas directly impacted by the prevailing insecurity in most parts of the region. In terms of judicial systems, very few formal courts in urban zones and rural courthouses in remote areas remain functional. Additionally, police stations and prisons are mostly dilapidated or completely destroyed. This has resulted in grave delays in the dispensation of justice; many have to travel large distances to seek proper redress for their grievances or, in the event of a complicated legal situation, have to wait for protracted periods before cases are resolved.
Since 1999, strengthening and restoring rule of law institutions, in collaboration with host governments, constitute a core aspect of major United Nations peacekeeping operations and some special political missions as well. “Whenever rule of law mechanisms fail or are absent or weak, people usually resort to violence to resolve issues and disputes. Also, when conflict breaks out, rule of law is usually the first casualty,” says Ms. Francoise Simard, Chief, UNAMID Rule of Law (RoL) Section.
In this context, the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), through its RoL Section and Prisons Advisory Unit (PAU), continues to work toward ensuring timely access to justice for conflict-affected communities by collaborating with the local institutions including the judiciary, prisons, the Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders. The objective is to strengthen key institutions so that they can play their role in the reinforcement of law and justice for all in Darfur, promote gender equality and human rights in general.
To this end, the construction of courthouses and rehabilitation of prison facilities in all five states remains a high priority for UNAMID RoL; this is facilitated through the Mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme. In Malha, North Darfur, for example, UNAMID’s RoL Section partnered with Jibal Midoub Development Organization to build a new rural courthouse and bring judicial services closer to the people living here. The new courthouse was inaugurated by UNAMID’s Joint Special Representative (JSR) Mohamed Ibn Chambas on 1 May 2014.
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