Monrovia, Liberia: April 19, 2021-The UN Joint Rule of Law Programme in collaboration with the crime units of the Ministries of Justice, Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Health Ministry is conducting a three -day refresher training in Grand Bassa County from April 19 – 21, 2022, a UNDP press release says.
The training seeks to enhance the efficiency of specialised courts handling sexual offenses (“Criminal Courts E”).
It forms part of ongoing support for Justice and security actors from the three Ministries, the Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS) of the Liberia National Police, Prosecutors, Case Liaison Officers, and Victim Support officers, Public Defenders, Nurses, and Court Staff.
It serves as a refresher for staff engaged in investigation, handling and gathering forensic evidence in rape cases, strengthening, and enforcing legislations, policies and standards that support the prevention and response to GBV.
The training will provide knowledge on tools to advance and promote ongoing efforts of prosecution services, support the rights of victims, increase access to justice, uphold the Rule of Law and strengthen capacities.
Justice actors investigating and prosecuting cases in Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Montserrado will acquire skills in crime scene investigation, forensic evidence gathering when dealing with rape and other sex-related offenses, social beliefs and gender discriminatory biases that can obstruct the fight against GBV.
The training will also feature the application of international treaties/protocols, integrating human rights approach, psychosocial support for survivors and monitoring programmes on GBV.
The overall goal is to improve institutional capacities at the national and local levels to better respond to SGBV crimes and ensure increased access to justice for victims and survivors.
Participants will use the knowledge to add value to the work they do and improve perceptions, and cultural and social norms, which contribute to gender-based violence.