International Women's Day: EU and AdvocAid Joined forces for a gender-sensitive criminal justice system in Sierra Leone
Speech of the Ambassador Tom Vens:
As we roll into the International Women's Day, what more powerful way could there be to mark our commitment to gender equity than promoting the fight against gender based violence and the establishment of gender-sensitive criminal justice systems with all of you in presence.
I am delighted to see so many members of the legal community, gender activists and partners from all sectors.
And I am honoured to stand next to Rhiannon and excited about the new flagship programme AdvocAid is about to launch in partnership with us, the Legal Access through Women Yearning for Equality Rights and Social Justice (L.A.W.Y.E.R.S.) and Trocaire - to enhance access to justice for SGBV survivors and promote the rights of women and girls in Freetown, Bombali and Kenema.
As you might be aware, Gender equality is a core European value that has been enshrined in EU law for 60 years. In its internal policy as well in its external relations, the EU promotes a world where the rights of girls and women are claimed, valued and respected by all, and where everyone can fulfil their potential and contribute to a more fair and just society.
We do so because empowering women and girls is not only the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do. Without them, we will never achieve a truly inclusive and equitable development for all.
But the European Union never acts alone. Sustainable change can only be achieved in partnership with the duty bearers and actors on the ground.
The Government of Sierra Leone has made considerable strides in the fight against violence against women and girls. Important reforms have been recently introduced, notably with the adoption of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2019.
But reality on the ground is that GBV is still highly prevalent in Sierra Leone. Almost half of Sierra Leone’s women face sexual or physical violence during their lifetime, and the vast majority (96%) of rape cases reported to police concern children.
This is reason enough for us to take action and fight GBV and ensure that gender sensitive criminal justice systems are strengthened across the board to better care for victims and survivors of violence.
Looking at the very low conviction rates in prosecuting perpetrators of rape and sexual violence, heavy efforts are required to ensure protection and justice for victims of GBV: improved access to support services and shelters for victims of GBV, improved investigation and data collection, adequate reinforcement and training of the police and justice and effective implementation of the law…
But there is also another aspect to it. Which is less known, less spoken about, less in the open because...hidden behind bars.
I am referring to the women and girls whom are in conflict with the law, whom are in prison.
If the stark realities of gender disparity touch the lives of all women, and appear throughout the criminal justice process, the inequality is even more evident in prison.
Having been in prison myself – yes here in Freetown J- with Rhiannon's predecessor and Honorable Soloku.. J .. I must say I am profoundly touched by the conditions of women and girls in conflict with the law.
Despite the humanity, almost solidarity, I felt on the part of the prison officers – mostly women themselves - a sensation of injustice prevailed. How many of these women have benefitted of legal aid, how many of these women have received a fair trial? How many have been interviewed by a gender sensitive police officer? Judged by a gender sensitive magistrate? Supported by sufficient evidence??
Or... amongst the convicted "criminals" are there actually victims of violence, women and girls that perhaps used violence against their rapist - in self-defence?
Only a fair and gender-sensitive criminal justice system can tell !
https://twitter.com/TomVensEU/status/1235901809459449856
On this note I must pause. I wish to recognise and laude the strong and positive signal manifested by the Government in December last year - when a public declaration was issued confirming that Sierra Leone continues to uphold the moratorium on the use of the death penalty and a large number of Presidential pardons were issued - including for women prisoners on death row and women prisoners condemned for manslaughter.
It is time we all take action.
It is time we engage to provide justice, equality and dignity for all women
That is why as European Union we fight discrimination against women who are in contact and in conflict with the law.
That is why we promote Legal aid, legal representation and welfare support for victims of GBVS as well as for women and girls who are offenders or prisoners.
And in Sierra Leone we are very proud to be able to do so in partnership with AdvocAid and LAWYERS, organisations that have decade-long experience in providing access to justice.
I trust AdvocAid and LAWYERS; with the precious support to Trocaire will go a long way in providing legal aid and social welfare for women and girls in Sierra Leone.
But as we care for the victims – we shall also strengthen evidence-based research, advocacy and engagement with the broader spectrum of stakeholders – the Judiciary, the Police, the lawyer community – to foster institutional partnership, and policy and legal reform related to SGBV.
That is why are here today.
To pledge our commitment to end GBV and support gender-sensitive criminal justice systems
..and to foster partnership.
As to make change, it takes... Committed individuals and strategic partnerships.
