Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-22 05:47:31
Justice Mary Mamyassin Sey, a Supreme Court Judge, emphasized the importance of judicial officers maintaining consistency in legal decisions during a forum on Trafficking in Persons organized by the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP). Speaking on behalf of Chief Justice Assan B. Jallow, Justice Sey highlighted the significance of building public trust in the justice system and reducing disparities in sentencing through consistent legal decisions.
Human trafficking is a growing concern in The Gambia, with a rising number of cases pending before the courts. Justice Sey underscored the vital role of the judiciary in ensuring expeditious hearings for trafficking cases. She emphasized the need for a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, with magistrates and judges playing a crucial role in combating human trafficking by adjudicating cases and upholding the rights of victims and survivors.
Providing magistrates and judges with knowledge about trafficking in person is essential to create a legal environment that upholds human rights and ensures justice for victims. Justice Sey stressed the importance of meting out appropriate sentences and penalties for traffickers, especially considering the severity of the crime and factors such as coercion or the exploitation of vulnerable victims.
The Executive Director of NAATIP, Isatou Dabo, underscored the agency’s commitment to educating judicial officers on trafficking issues. Dabo emphasized that presenting investigative reports to the court is not enough if judicial officers do not have a thorough understanding of trafficking dynamics and trends. Understanding these complexities is crucial in making informed decisions related to trafficking cases.
Dabo highlighted the importance of judicial officers not only following the law but also understanding the nuances of trafficking issues. This understanding plays a significant role in ensuring that decisions made by magistrates and judges are in line with the provisions of the law and consider the unique challenges faced by victims of trafficking. By enhancing the knowledge and awareness of judicial officers, the legal system can better address the complexities of human trafficking and deliver justice for victims.
Overall, Justice Sey’s message underscores the critical role of judicial officers in combating human trafficking and upholding the rights of victims. By maintaining consistency in legal decisions, magistrates and judges can contribute to building public trust in the justice system and ensuring that traffickers are held accountable for their crimes. Through education and awareness, the judiciary can play a key role in addressing the challenges of human trafficking and providing justice for those affected by this heinous crime.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
