In April 2016, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions launched the Handbook on ‘Prosecuting Child-Related Cases in Uganda’ with the support of UNICEF. The handbook clearly outlines the roles of prosecutors, police and other justice officials in responding to children who come in contact or in conflict with the law. 

Following the launch, the DPP held trainings for police and prosecutors on child friendly justice in Arua, Fort Portal, Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, Masaka and Soroti. The trainings covered topics from the handbook, including the means of ensuring a child sensitive justice response through tailored interview techniques; the priority to find alternative measures to detention for children; specialised responses for survivors of sexual and gender based violence; and capacity development on the emerging area of online child protection. 

On 17 and 18 May in Arua, 21 officers from the DPP and Uganda Police Force received the training. Highlights from the sessions included the importance of children’s cases being dismissed or processed through the courts within 3 months. This linked into discussion on the necessity to strengthen the practice of diversion, whereby children who commit petty offences can be released from custody, or redirected to counselling or community service. 

On 19 and 20 May in Gulu, 16 officers from the DPP and UPF were trained. Notable discussions included the importance of medical examinations for survivors of sexual violence, and the need for sensitised coordination between all justice actors on children’s cases. 

Overall, the trainings strengthened the abilities of DPP and UPF officers in the districts to respond to cases in line with the unique needs and best interests of children. 

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Published: June 6, 2016