By Staff Reporter
In an effort to develop prosecutorial guidelines for sexual offenses involving children, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Nyale Institute held a consultative meeting at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe on Friday.
Speaking during the meeting, Judge of the High Court, Jean Kayira emphasised the need for a comprehensive criminal justice system that prioritises the rights of survivors of sexual violence.
The Judge further urged prosecutors to utilise Section 71A of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code to ensure that children who have been sexually abused testify in chambers, providing a safe environment for them to share their experiences.
Principal State Advocate in the Office of the DPP, Jacob Nambiri, reiterated that his directorate is committed to ensuring quality prosecutorial services in safeguarding the rights of individuals, with a particular focus on children.
In his statement, Executive Director of Nyale Institute, Godfrey Kangaude, stressed the importance of addressing heavy cultural and moral interests that often compete with human rights values when addressing issues of sexuality and reproduction in societies.
“By addressing these cultural and moral interests, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment where human rights are upheld,” he said.
