Towards enhancing investigative skills of prosecuting officers that are saddled with the responsibilities of securing convictions, Bauchi State Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have organised a one day intensive training for Police IPOSs and Staff of the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice.
The objectives of the training was to enhance the investigative skills of presecutors and guide investigators in their line of investigation.
The training, held at the Sulgad Hotel Conference Hall on the 9th of December 2034, was also aimed at providing a deepen knowledge of the provision, scope and intents of the legal framework of the laws and improve prosecutorial skills among other objectives.
According to the organisers of the training, the engagement would also foster collaboration and coordination between the investigative police officers and prosecutors.
In a welcome address, the overseeing permanent secretary of the ministry of justice Sha’awanatu Yusuf said the training was a significant
step in a collective effort to combat gender-based violence and ensure that survivors receive the justice and support they rightfully deserve.
Yusuf said that the prevalence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the society is a grave concern that demands unwavering commitment and concerted action, stressing that, “This training aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to address GBV cases with the highest level of professionalism, sensitivity, and efficacy”.
She said that the carefully topics will delve into the essential elements required to elevate the standard of investigations in GBV cases, pointing out that effective investigation is the cornerstone of successful prosecution and justice delivery.
“I am confident that this
training will provide valuable insights and practical strategies that will enhance your capacity to investigate and prosecute GBV cases effectively. The knowledge shared today will not only benefit you as professionals but will also contribute to the broader goal of creating a society where gender-based violence is not tolerated and where survivors are supported and empowered”, said Yusuf.
The overseeing permanent secretary also expressed her gratitude to the UNFPA for their partnership and unwavering support in organizing this training, maintaining that the expertise and dedication of UNFPA in advancing gender equality and human rights are invaluable.
In a keynote address, UNFPA State Program Officer (SPO), Deborah Tabara said that GBV is a human rights violation and that Human rights provide a framework for understanding the intersecting factors and underlying causes that contribute to discrimination, including GBV.
Tabara explained that GBV is the result of structural, deep-rooted discrimination, and that human rights-based approaches can help address these forces through multi-sectoral interventions.
She described the training as strategic, which is coming at the tail end of this year’s 16 days of activism that seeks to end GVB among women and girls and the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day.
The UNFPA SPO also identified a wide range of stakeholders including UN agencies, governments, National Human Rights Institutions, and NGOs and law enforcement agents key actors in addressing GBV.
“The MOJ is key in the enactment and implementation of Laws and Law enforcement agents are one of the first responders of GBV. So, access to justice is only possible when people know the content and applications of laws”, said Tabara.
Tabara, who also doubles as the reproductive health and gender analyst in UNFPA office said that equality and women empowerment are a lone goal and also an intrinsic part of all the other sustainable development goals.
“SDG 5 is recognized both as an enabler and an accelerator for the achievement of all the other SDGs. Providing Access to Gender Based Violence Services enables us to fulfill the SDG principle of leave no one behind which the UN is very committed to. Leave No One Behind is also one of the Overarching UNFPA Interventions”, Tabara said.
Our Correspondent reports that over 30 participants drawn from the Justice Ministry and Police were taken through topics that focuses on “Key elements for law enforcement in Gender Based Violence” and “Critical considerations for Prosecutors in Gender Based Violence Cases”.
