00:00A landmark military court has officially begun proceedings in Wao, capital western Ba'el-Ghaza,
00:07aiming to address serious misconduct by members of South Sudan's People's Defense Forces, SSPDF.
00:14This move is seen as a critical step in enforcing discipline, upholding justice,
00:20and rebuilding trust between security forces and the civilian population.
00:24This will be accountable, and this accountability applies to everyone who has committed an offence.
00:36We begin with accountability, we're owing perpetrators accountable.
00:44They will behave according to government's rules.
00:46The court is set to hear 28 cases, including 15 related to serious crimes such as rape and murder.
00:57Civil society groups have welcomed the initiative,
01:00viewing it as a rare opportunity for justice in regions, where legal access remains limited.
01:05The task is to represent the victim from the start of the proceedings to the final verdict.
01:22You also provide them with legal protection, as they might be fearful of speaking out,
01:27or that something might happen to them afterwards.
01:30The UN mission is providing technical assistance to support the process,
01:36which is part of broader efforts to reform South Sudan's security sector.
01:41A civilian-military dialogue is scheduled for July 6th to further engage communities
01:46and explain the judicial process.
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