Kenya Chapter Of Women Judges Launches Guide To Combat Sexual Exploitation Trafficking
In the middle, Lady Justice Martha Koome and International Association of Women Judges during the Bench Book launch on Sexual Exploitation Trafficking
By Aoma Keziah
Nairobi, July 30, 2024 – The International Association of Women Judges Kenya Chapter, with support from Equality Now, launched a groundbreaking Judicial Bench Book on Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation today. The launch, held in Nairobi, aims to enhance the capacity of judicial officers to effectively handle cases of trafficking for sexual exploitation, ensuring justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
Speaking during the launch, Marion Ogeto, Equality Now’s program officer, noted that, “We welcome the steps taken by the government however prosecution of human trafficking is dismal especially trafficking for sexual exploitation despite Kenya’s robust legislative framework” Ogeto remarked.
The Judicial Bench Book is specifically designed to sensitize judicial officers, including judges, magistrates, and other court users such as prosecutors, advocates, and probation officers. Its comprehensive approach aids in understanding the complex dynamics of trafficking for sexual exploitation, identifying potential victims, and being responsive to their needs for support and protection. Additionally, the Bench Book emphasizes a human rights-based and trauma-informed approach to handling these sensitive cases, addressing the legal and evidentiary challenges that often arise.
Previewed on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Bench Book launch aims to increase awareness and generate greater commitment from state actors towards enhancing the prosecution of trafficking cases. Special focus is placed on trafficking for sexual exploitation, an area where prosecution efforts have notably lagged, underscoring the need and relevance of the Bench Book in promoting victims’ access to justice.
The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in prosecuting trafficking for sexual exploitation cases. Discussions highlighted the importance of the Bench Book in providing judicial officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle these cases more effectively. The main objectives of the preview included introducing and promoting the Bench Book and fostering dialogue on its contents to strengthen judicial responses to trafficking for sexual exploitation.
In her keynote address, The lady Chief Justice Martha Koome, emphasized the critical role of the judiciary in combating trafficking and protecting victims. “This Bench Book is a vital resource in our fight against trafficking for sexual exploitation. It empowers judicial officers with the knowledge and tools they need to deliver justice effectively, ensuring that victims are supported and perpetrators are held accountable.”
Koome also extended her appreciation to the International Association of Women Judges and the International Association of Women Judges Kenya Chapter, led by its President Justice Hellen Omondi, and Equality Now, for Conceiving the idea of developing this bench book and working tirelessly to ensure that it is finally available for use by not only the Judges and judicial officers, but other actors in the justice chain.
The launch of the Judicial Bench Book marks a significant step forward in the fight against trafficking for sexual exploitation in Kenya, reflecting a broader commitment to upholding human rights and enhancing the judicial response to this pervasive issue.
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