Dateline Nigeria’s Post

Reps to host national dialogue on security and state police - Dateline Nigeria The House of Representatives, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), FCDO/UKAID, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will convene a One-Day National Dialogue on Security and State Police. The primary objective of this Dialogue is to facilitate a comprehensive national discussion on the merits and challenges of State Police, with a focus on aggregating citizens’ views and perspectives. The event also aims to propose model(s) as well as institutional and legal frameworks for the effective implementation of state policing in Nigeria. Aligned with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th Assembly House of Representatives, which seeks … https://lnkd.in/dxKCEN46

I am delighted to share that I successfully secured the release of an inmate who had been wrongfully imprisoned for nine (9) years. This achievement was made possible through the Law Firm I work with, DNL Partners, which handles pro bono cases. One of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to ensure access to justice for everyone and to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. In line with this goal, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA) was enacted. All states in Nigeria have adopted this Act, with some modifications, in their own Administration of Criminal Justice Laws. The Act aims to ensure efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy justice, protection from crime, and safeguarding the rights and interests of suspects, defendants, and victims. According to section 110(4) of the Act, trials should start within 30 days and conclude within 180 days from arraignment. If trials are not concluded within this timeframe, the Chief Judge should be informed of the reasons for the delay. Despite these provisions, some criminal cases continue to drag on for nearly a decade without progress. We hope for a more reformed legal system. Kindly click on the link below to read more on the case: https://lnkd.in/djf8GD2p #LitigationLaw #Justice #SDG16 #Law

Domestic violence cases present serious challenges for justice systems, in #Kosovo as anywhere else in the world. This week, the #OSCE Mission in Kosovo published its latest trial monitoring report on the judicial handling of #DomesticViolence cases. Analyzing data from 141 civil and criminal domestic violence cases in 2023, it assesses the compliance of Kosovo's seven basic courts with local and international legal standards. Two main shortcomings are highlighted:  - delays and failure to adhere to procedural deadlines, and  - the frequent use of alternative or lenient sentencing. In 78% of cases, the judges elected to either fine the offender, apply an alternative sentence (suspended sentence, suspended fine, or no fine) or institute other measures (such as mandatory psychiatric evaluation). Where effective imprisonment was imposed, the average sentence was just over five months, whereas the average suspended sentence of imprisonment was nearly six-and-a-half months. The average amount for both actual and suspended fines was €350. Addressing these judicial shortcomings is imperative for the protection of victims. Since 2010, at least 55 Kosovo women have been murdered by their male partners or relatives - about one murder every three months. Many of them were known to the justice system for previous acts of violence against their victims. But it is also the integrity of Kosovo’s justice system that is at stake. The Minister of Justice (and Kosovo's Co-ordinator for protection from domestic and gender-based violence) Albulena Haxhiu said that “only when all mechanisms of the justice system function properly can we be proud of having an organized state at the service of citizens, for protection, security, and justice of all.” The OSCE Report concludes with recommendations that will help ensure a victim-centred approach, including tailored training for judges, prosecutors and attorneys, and providing training and other recommendations for the Kosovo Academy of Justice, the Kosovo Bar Association, and other relevant Kosovo institutions. The full report is available here:

The Role of Law in Preventing GBV in South Africa 🇿🇦 Violence of Women and Children, it’s terrible to admit how much Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to affect countless South Africans. Our legal system recognises this and is stepping up with stronger protections and avenues for justice through key frameworks: The Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Offences Act, and dedicated GBV courts. What if you’re the one who witnesses the abuse or violence? You’re empowered, too: witness testimony plays a critical role. If you know someone affected by GBV, your support can be life-changing. By speaking up or providing testimony, witnesses help strengthen cases, hold perpetrators accountable, and give survivors a voice in court. Together, we can ensure these laws work for everyone, protecting rights, preventing violence, and creating lasting change. 💙 #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism #SouthAfrica #LegalRights #ProtectSurvivors #SystemicChange

❓#DYK: There are less than 700 practicing lawyers in Malawi 🇲🇼, serving a population of 20 million. This has made it challenging for young and adult men and women prisoners to access legal representation. 🔎 Our latest #JusticeForAll blog posts summarize the findings of recent Prison Audits in the country. In this 2️⃣-part blog series, Justice Mapping, Paralegal Advisory Service Institute, and The Governance and Justice Group emphasize the importance of open data as a crucial tool for partnerships and accountability to inform policies with evidence to achieve #SDG16. ⚖️ Gain more insights on #JusticeForAll series blog👇 Part 1️⃣ : https://lnkd.in/eagNZKX6 Part 2️⃣ : https://lnkd.in/eB9aVCtD #JusticeForAll #SDG16Plus

🚨 New Working Paper 🚨 Across Europe, over 10,000 children remain in detention, often hidden from view and vulnerable to unreported #violence. Our latest Working Paper, developed with contributions from Penal Reform International, Terre des hommes foundation, Institute for Inspiring Children's Futures, a partnership at the University of Strathclyde and the Global Initiative on Justice With Children, brings attention to this critical issue. 📑 This research presents recent findings on the alarming prevalence of violence experienced by children in detention facilities. It reveals significant challenges arising from inconsistent legal frameworks and critical gaps in data collection, which not only violate #children’srights but also undermine their well-being and hinder effective policy responses. With key recommendations, the paper calls for immediate, coordinated action to protect children. Every child deserves to be safe, seen and heard—and it’s time to ensure that children in detention receive the protection they need. 🔗Download the resource at https://lnkd.in/eX6_ntBv #EndVAC #SDG16 

Our legal experts have conducted training sessions for 15 employees of Nari Niketan, a short-stay home for girls and women rescued under the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act or those who need protection. The training sessions dealt with varied aspects of the legal system, including stages of criminal proceedings, how to use the e-courts app for finding case status, how to appear for video conference for bail, drafting miscellaneous applications and the repatriation process. Through our trainings, we aim to enable and support key actors to promote strong legal and institutional frameworks to help children and women who are rescued from trafficking and situations of abuse and exploitation. #supportsurvivors #endtrafficking #legalhelp #antitrafficking

"In Nigeria, the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law serves as a voice and instrument for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and families to seek justice. It works to strengthen the justice system to prevent GBV and other violence, as well as hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. Much remains to be done, though, to ensure that GBV survivors have access to justice. On this International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations, we urge the Nigerian government to further support and implement every section of the VAPP law to improve access to justice for GBV survivors." - Helen John, WI-HER GESI Advisor #EndGBV #GBVPrevention #SurvivorCenteredCare #JusticeForSurvivors

👌Hope Renewed for Justice in Kaduna State👌 In a heartwarming display of collaboration and commitment to justice, the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Honourable Justice Muhammad Tukur Muazu Aliyu, and Attorney General, Honourable Commissioner Sule Shuaibu SAN, publicly praised the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) and its partners, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US EMbassy for their tireless efforts in reforming the justice sector. Since 2022, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has worked diligently to support the state's justice sector reform efforts, resulting in the development of five critical policy documents: Administration of Criminal Justice Rules, Standard Operating Procedure, Criminal Justice Charter, Sentencing Guidelines, and Bondsman Regulations. These milestones have significantly improved access to justice for the poor and disadvantaged, ensuring that both victims and accused receive fair treatment. The Chief Judge acknowledged PPDC's invaluable contributions, including: •⁠ ⁠Deployment of Speech-to-Text Systems, enhancing court efficiency 👌 •⁠ ⁠Reorganisation and Improved Records Management, streamlining judicial processes👌 •⁠ ⁠Capacity Building Initiatives, empowering judges and judiciary staff👌 Attorney General Sule Shuaibu SAN also commended PPDC and INL for introducing a Case Management System, which has revolutionized workflow, organisation, and the Ministry of Justice's ability to deliver on its mandate. The recent commitment to providing legal advice within seven days of filing is a testament to the impact of these reforms. This partnership has not only improved access to justice but also demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. As stakeholders continue to appreciate and commit to these interventions, the people of Kaduna State can look forward to a more just and equitable society. 👌A Brighter Future for Justice👌 The recognition of Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) efforts serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice in Kaduna State. With continued collaboration and scaling of these reforms, the state is poised to become a model for justice sector reform in Nigeria. As we celebrate this achievement, we honour the tireless efforts of our team leading the Access to Justice project in Kaduna Muhammad Sani Kassim, PMP and other team members working to ensure that justice is accessible, affordable, timely, and just for all #Justicereforms #pretrialdetention #courtdigitization #judiciary #AIIntelligence

Press Statement Commemorating Human Rights Day 2024: Advancing Accountability and Human Rights in Policing Date: December 10, 2024 Today, as we join the global community to commemorate Human Rights Day 2024, the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights in policing across Nigeria. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” aligns with our mission to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force upholds the fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of their status, background, or beliefs. However, the current realities in Nigeria reveal persistent challenges, including excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, unlawful killings, and a lack of accountability for the police's rights violations. In the past year, NOPRIN has worked tirelessly to address these issues. We implemented projects to enhance the oversight and accountability of police detention facilities. We conducted a needs assessment to strengthen the outreach and operations of the Nigeria Police Force’s Complaint Response Unit. These efforts aim to close the gaps in systemic accountability and restore public trust in law enforcement institutions. Despite progress, much remains to be done. We call on the Nigerian Government to: 1. Ensure the effective functioning of oversight mechanisms, including the Police Service Commission and the Complaint Response Unit. 2. Provide adequate training and resources for the police to handle cases professionally and humanely, in line with international standards. 3. Actively engage civil society and communities in developing policies that promote trust and collaboration between citizens and the police. We also urge the Nigeria Police Force to lead by example by adhering to court orders, ensuring humane treatment of detainees, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for rights violations within its ranks. As we reflect on the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let us renew our collective resolve to demand accountability and protect the dignity of all Nigerians. Human rights are not negotiable, and they must remain the foundation of every policing policy and practice. Together, we can build a just, equitable, and peaceful society where every individual can live free from fear and oppression. #HumanRightsDay2024 #PoliceReform #AccountabilityNow Signed Precious Osinaku Programme Officer NOPRIN Foundation