Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Judiciary of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has commenced a three-day training program aimed at enhancing the skills of magistrates in adjudicating cases involving children and juveniles. The training, which began on August 29, 2024, is being held at the Lia Hotel in Lungi Town, Port Loko District.
Organized by the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI), the training seeks to equip magistrates from across the country with the necessary tools to handle juvenile cases with a focus on the special needs and vulnerabilities of young offenders. The initiative underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice is administered with a child-centered approach.
Hon. Justice Reginald Fynn (JA), Deputy Chairman of JLTI, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development for judicial officers. “Children and young persons represent a unique category of offenders who require a more tailored approach in the administration of justice,” he stated. The training will cover critical areas such as sentencing and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, the development of sentencing guidelines for children, legal frameworks for child-centered adjudication, and effective courtroom management of juvenile cases.
Hon. Justice Fynn also commended the Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, for his unwavering commitment to the professional development of judicial staff, particularly in adapting to the evolving needs of justice administration.
Delivering remarks on behalf of UNICEF, Hon. Justice Monfred Sesay (JA), Vice President of the Court of Appeal, acknowledged the challenging journey towards establishing a specialized justice system for children in Sierra Leone. He praised the judiciary’s leadership for its dedication to advancing the rights of children, stating, “The recent advancements, including the expansion of the Sexual Offences Court and the rollout of this training, are testaments to your commitment to upholding the best interests of the child in the administration of justice.”
The workshop will address a range of topics crucial to juvenile justice, including diversion programs and alternatives to detention, cross-examinations of child witnesses, core principles of juvenile adjudication, and the role of social service and probation officers in juvenile cases.
This training is expected to benefit over 28 magistrates who are often the first point of contact in the judicial system for juvenile cases. By enhancing their skills and knowledge, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone aims to create a more just and equitable system for children and young persons in conflict with the law, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of child rights and justice in the country.