Judiciary Takes Trial of Children Cases to Remand Homes
The Chief Registrar (C) with UNICEF representatives at the High Court
KAMPALA. The Judiciary has taken adjudication\r\ncases of children in conflict with the law to the remand\r\nhomes. Chief\r\nRegistrar, His Worship Paul Gadenya said that the move to reduce costs of\r\nmoving children suspects is currently being piloted at Naguru remand home.
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At\r\na meeting with UNICEF and other stakeholders held at the High Court\r\nHeadquarters in Kampala, H/W Gadenya observed that in the past it was difficult\r\nto find children issues being discussed.
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"That\r\nthere has been progress towards realizing children’s rights. A number of\r\nprogrammes have been introduced in the interest of children. Most recently\r\nthere was the launch of video link evidence which shows the great work that UNICEF\r\nis doing in supporting children,” he added.
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He\r\ncommended UNICEF for the support but observed that there are gaps as most\r\nactors are not aware of the rights of children and how to protect them.
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H/W\r\nGadenya said there are challenges in areas of detention and the way police is\r\nmanaging children. "There\r\nis need to create awareness through sensitization and the capacity to build\r\ncomplete systems as a lot has to be done on infrastructure,” he added.
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He\r\nadded that there is need for children in nursery and primary schools to have a\r\nbetter understanding of the law and their right. The Chief Registrar also asked\r\nUNICEF to engage government to come up with solutions to the challenges facing\r\nchildren.
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UNICEF
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UNICEF\r\nAdvisor on Child protection for East and Central Africa, Mr. Jeau Fiancns Basse\r\nsaid there is need to focus on children in conflict with the law, child victims\r\nand child witnesses. He\r\nsaid although there is a lot of innovation in regard to children like the\r\nadoption of taking evidence by audio visual link, there is need to do better\r\nwith regard to plans and challenges. Mr.\r\nBasse said the experience of bringing together many actors is commendable and\r\nshould be documented as the best practice.
Posted 8th, September 2016
