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Regional prosecutors are meeting in Uganda to identify gender-sensitive initiatives and policies within the criminal justice sector that are geared towards protecting women and children.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has said that transnational organised crimes, apart from threatening the socio-economic development, national security, and the rule of law, also disproportionately affected women and children, exploiting their vulnerability.

“As such, women and children are often forced by criminal entities into prostitution, forced labour, trafficking and other forms of abuse and violence; with lasting psychological and physiological impacts. We must therefore continuously adopt policies and procedures that reflect our commitment to ensuring equitable access to justice for all,” Haji said.

He also called for harnessing domestic solutions to such crimes targeting the vulnerable. Kenya, for example, instituted a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Division as well as the Children’s Division to efficiently and effectively deal with such cases, following the rising challenge of targeted violence and abuse against women and children. “We have further established child-friendly interview rooms to avoid revictimization of children,” Haji said.

The DPP was speaking during the 10th Annual General Meeting and conference of the east African Association of Prosecutors in Kampala, Uganda.

This year’s Conference themed “Transboundary Crime: Practical Approaches to Protecting Women and Children,” highlights the urgency and significance of addressing the disproportionate effects of these crimes on our most vulnerable members of society.

Haji said the regional prosecutors could strengthen collegiality, information-sharing, and collaboration among member countries through professional networks.