United Nations Development Programme, Support to Access to Justice and Rule of Law in South Sudan, 2017 - 2019 Rule of law is a core pillar of UNDP’s work, and is critical to peace building. During a crisis, national and local capacities must be empowered to tackle impunity and respond to immediate justice and security needs. In the aftermath of crisis, and in fragile situations, unobstructed access to legitimate rule of law institutions is a decisive factor in efforts to rebuild societies, and prevent a downward spiral into violence or conflict. UNDP’s engagement in this area seeks to enhance physical and legal protection of people and communities, ensuring legal representation, access to justice, and empowerment of communities and civil society. Programmes work to develop capacities of justice and law enforcement institutions, and ensure that security providers are subject to civilian oversight. Particular emphasis is placed on tackling sexual and gender-based violence in situations affected by conflict and fragility. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Access to Justice and Rule of Law Project (Phase 2) began implementation in 2017, against a backdrop of conflict, instability and fragility in South Sudan. Over the lifecycle of the project, the below main results were achieved:  1.	The first GBV and Juvenile Court was launched in South Sudan: In December 2020, the first gender based violence (GBV) and Juvenile Court was launched in South Sudan. This was complemented with the training of 87 judges, prosecutors, investigators and social workers. The Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Juvenile Court allows GBV cases to be expedited and sends a strong signal to perpetrators that they will be held accountable for SGBV and related crimes. In the first three months, the court decided on 63 GBV and 43 juvenile cases. A total of 5,606 SGBV survivors (68% women) benefitted from SGBV response mechanisms. This includes legal aid, protection, investigation, trauma management, psychosocial support, counselling, medical care.  2.	Access to justice for vulnerable populations increased: A total of 16,963 people of which 41% women received pro-bono legal aid services from 18 Justice and Confidence Centers (JCCs). Through public and media outreaches –an estimated 2 mln people were informed on their rights, and way to access justice services. UNDP brought 23 judges to underserviced areas (mobile courts), which lead to the hearing of 1,598 cases, thereby reducing the case backlog in target locations with 73%. 3.	Prisons were made more humane: Over 900 prisoners received skills training in 12 different trades including carpentry, vehicle mechanics, agriculture and tailoring. These skills will increase economic opportunity for ex-inmates upon release from prison, and reduce recidivism. The standard of living in four prisons – in Wau, Terekeka, Yei, and Malakal – was improved through renovation of basic amenities like sleeping and bathroom facilities. UNDP further supported these efforts by providing on-the-job training to prison officials on human rights standards and the principles of equality and non-discrimination.  4.	Coordination within the justice chain was improved: A total of 3,510 officials in the justice chain (of which 29% were women) attended Legal Forums. These provide a space for officials to discuss critical issues affecting the rule of law and access to justice sector and help strengthen coordination between key institutions which, helped to improve service delivery.  5.	Legal policy and legislative frameworks were strengthened: 16 pieces of legislation and legal reforms were reviewed and strengthened to ensure that laws and legal frameworks were fair and inclusive, and in compliance with international human rights norms and standards. This includes the anti GBV Law, the Police Service Act, Penal Code Act, Criminal Procedures act and the Legal Aid Act.