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A cross section of participants at the meeting
By Ishola Michael, Bauchi
It has been stressed that Gender equality in criminal justice is not just a matter of fairness but also essential for the credibility and effectiveness of the system.
The assertion was made in a welcome remarks by the Executive Director of Center for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN) Foundation, Mr Gad Peter at a 2 Day Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice Regime held Bauchi on Tuesday.
According to him, “Women and individuals from marginalized genders often face unique challenges and biases within the criminal justice process. Addressing these issues is not only the right thing to do but critical to achieving a truly just system.”
Gad Peter added that, “Accountability within the criminal justice system ensures that those who enforce the law are held to the highest standards. It fosters a culture of integrity and trust, both among the practitioners and the public they serve.”
He added that, “Without robust mechanisms for accountability, injustices go unchecked, eroding public confidence and undermining the rule of law.”
“Transparency is the bedrock of democratic governance and justice. When the processes and decisions of criminal justice are transparent, they invite scrutiny, encourage fairness, and deter misconduct,” he added.
The CLEEN ED also stressed that, “Transparency ensures that justice is not only done but is seen to be done, maintaining the public’s trust in our legal institutions.”
He explained that, “We gathered here today with a shared commitment to advancing justice, equality, and integrity within our criminal justice systems.”
According to him, “The administration of criminal justice is a cornerstone of any society, providing the framework for the rule of law, protection of rights, and upholding of public trust.”
“However, this framework must be continually assessed and reformed to ensure it serves all community members equitably. Today’s dialogue focuses on three fundamental pillars: gender, accountability, and transparency,” he added.
Gad Peter added that, “Today, our dialogue will delve into these critical areas with the expertise and insights of our distinguished panelists and participants.”
According to him, “It is through these discussions that we can identify gaps, share best practices, and formulate actionable strategies to enhance gender fairness, enforce accountability, and ensure transparency in our criminal justice systems.”
He stressed that, “Your participation and contributions are invaluable. Together, we can work towards a criminal justice system that is not only effective and fair but also reflective of our collective commitment to justice and equality for all.”
In the various contributions, most of the participants stressed the importance of effective role playing in discussing gender issues to ensure that it does not tilt towards one side than the other.
They are of the opinion that gender issues should be handled with utmost care in order for its principles not to misapplied.
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