KELIN training lawyers to secure justice for sexual violations

On 29 – 30 June 2017, KELIN will train 30 lawyers from Kisumu and Homa Bay counties. The training, which will be held in Kisumu county, is geared towards achieving three objectives namely to:

1. Introduce participants to the medical and legislative framework on sexual and reproductive rights;
2. Foster an understanding of the prosecutorial processes and the role of lawyers in representation of victims of sexual violations; and
3. Build a strong network of pro-bono lawyers facilitating justice for victims of sexual violence.

KELIN has chosen to implement this training as an intervention geared to facilitating protection of sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescent girls and young women, while seeking justice for victims of sexual violence in both counties. The training will enable lawyers to assist victims of sexual violence seek successful prosecution of perpetrators, while establishing a framework to empower lawyers to make interventions beyond watching brief in these cases.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Kisumu County reported approximately 2,200 cases of sexual violence against adolescent girls and young women. However, only 200 of the reported cases were presented in court. This disproportionate amount of sexual violence vis-a-vis the prosecution rates rightly necessitates the need to train lawyers in order to assist increase not only the reporting of, but also the prosecution and successful conviction of sexual violence.

As a result of this training, KELIN hopes to establish a solid network of pro-bono lawyers in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties assigned to assist in the referral, protection and prosecution of sexual violence cases in an effort to ensure justice for any adolescent girls and young women in need of legal interventions.

To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms: Twitter: @KELINKenya #BreakingBarriers or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya

 

For more information please contact;

Nerima Were

Programme Officer Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights

Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)

4th Floor, Somak Building, Mombasa Road

Tel +254202515790; Cell +254790339963;

Email: nwere@kelinkenya.org