South Sudan’s Injustice System: Law And Activism On The Frontline

Description

“Coming into existence amid a wave of optimism in 2011, South Sudan has since slid into violence and conflict. Even in the face of escalating civil war, however, the people of the country continue to fight for justice, despite a widespread culture of corruption and impunity. Drawing on extensive new research, Rachel Ibreck examines people’s lived experiences as they navigate South Sudan’s fledgling justice system, as well as the courageous efforts of lawyers, activists, and ordinary citizens to assert their rights and hold the government to account. In doing so, the author reveals how justice plays out in a variety of settings, from displacement camps to chiefs’ courts, and in cases ranging from communal land disputes to the country’s turbulent peace process. Based on a collaborative research project carried out with South Sudanese activists and legal practitioners, the book also demonstrates the value of conducting researching with, rather than simply about those affected by conflict. At heart, this is a people’s story of South Sudan – what works in this troubled country is what people do for themselves.” Cover About the Author Title Page Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgements List of acronyms Map of South Sudan Preface: law from below, by Alex de Waal Introduction 1. Law and activism in conflict The power of law A brief history of law and politics in South Sudan Conclusion 2. Inside the justice system: domination and resistance Above the law: ‘the rule of tyranny’ The chieftaincy: ‘essential to our survival’ Conclusion 3. Makeshift courts Court structures The politics of town courts: analysing the court cases Conclusion 4. Legal contestations at the margins Legal activism in process Conclusion 5. Citizens for justice Survivors Justice networks Conclusion 6. Brokering survival Survival tactics Networking and negotiation Using law in practice Conclusion Conclusion ‘No condition is permanent' Appendix: A note on methods A note on methods Collaborative action Interviews and life histories Funding and support Notes References Index