Gender equality in criminal justice essential for credibility, effectiveness — CLEEN

It has been emphasised that gender equality in criminal justice is not just a matter of fairness but also essential for the credibility and effectiveness of the system.

This assertion was made in a welcome address by the Executive Director of the Center for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN) Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter, at a two-day Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice, held in 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, “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 practitioners and the public they serve.”

He further noted, “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 within the criminal justice system are transparent, they invite scrutiny, encourage fairness, and deter misconduct,” he added.

The CLEEN ED also emphasized 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, “We are 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 public trust.”

“However,” he continued, “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.”

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Gad Peter added, “Today, our dialogue will delve into these critical areas with the expertise and insights of our distinguished panelists and participants.”

According to him, “Through these discussions, 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, “Your participation and contributions are invaluable. Together, we can work toward 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 their various contributions, many participants emphasized the importance of effective role-playing in discussing gender issues to ensure the conversation remains balanced.

They expressed the view that gender issues should be handled with utmost care to prevent the misapplication of its principles.