By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Judiciary, through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI) and with support from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has launched a three-day training program for 28 magistrates from across Sierra Leone. The training aims to enhance the magistrates’ skills in handling cases involving children and juveniles.
The program focuses on equipping magistrates with the knowledge and techniques necessary to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of young individuals in the judicial system. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the adjudication process for juvenile cases, ensuring that justice is both fair and sensitive to the special circumstances of minors.
Justice Reginald Fynn, Deputy Chairman of the JLTI, provided an overview of the training objectives. He emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for judicial officers to ensure effective service delivery. “Children and young persons represent a distinct category of offenders who require specialized approaches and treatment by the judiciary,” Justice Fynn stated.
The training will cover a range of topics, including:
- Sentencing and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders
- Development of sentencing guidelines for children and juveniles in Sierra Leone
- Legal frameworks and child-centred adjudication
- Practical approaches and courtroom management for juvenile cases
Justice Monfred Sesay, Vice President of the Court of Appeal, delivered a statement on behalf of UNICEF. He acknowledged the long and challenging journey toward establishing a specialized justice system for children. “UNICEF commends the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and justice for children in Sierra Leone,” Justice Sesay said. “The recent developments, such as the expansion of the Sexual Offences Court and this training program, are clear evidence of the commitment to uphold the principles of parens patriae and ensure that justice is administered with the child’s best interests in mind.”
The training will also address practical issues such as:
- Diversion programs and alternatives to detention
- Cross-examinations and testimonies of child and juvenile witnesses
- Core principles of juvenile justice and adjudication
- Effective courtroom management for juvenile cases: challenges and lessons
- The role of social service and probation officers
This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing the judicial system’s ability to manage juvenile cases with the care and expertise they require, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just society for future generations. MJB/2/9/2024
