UNICEF lauds Guyana‘s efforts to address cases of sexual offences in the courts

Jun 24, 2018 News

International children‘s rights organization, UNICEF, has lauded Guyana‘s efforts towards addressing cases of sexual offences in the courts.
Speaking to the media at a recent event country representative, Sylvie Fouet, lauded the establishment the Sexual Offences Court, describing it as a model for other countries.
According to Fouet, “Guyana should be very proud of its way of handling the sexual offences court and the sexual offences Act.”
The UNICEF representative said that despite challenges, Guyana‘s justice system has seen significant improvement in this regard.
She noted that UNICEF was instrumental in the launching of the Sexual Offences Court last year. The country representative said the court remains a facility that is conducive for minor victims, which will prevent “second victimization” during their testimonies.
She noted, too, that UNICEF is in talks with the Chancellor of the Judiciary for the acceleration of cases involving minors and the establishment of a Young Offenders Court.
The Sexual Offences court housed in the Supreme Court represents the commitment of the judiciary to be responsive to the concerns raised in society about the conduct of trials for sexual crimes.
The Sexual Offences Court is equipped with audio-visual devices to aid the testimony of witnesses. There are two screens in the courtroom that provide the complainants with a more suitable setting to face their alleged perpetrators.
The victim-friendly features of the Court have been aiding with the successful prosecution of a number of rape cases.
Since the specialised court came into operation several months ago, Court officials have recorded an increase in the number of persons convicted for sexual offence crimes.
Prior to the establishment of the court, a notable number of sexual offences matters were nolle prosequi, often because of complainants’ unwillingness to testify before the High Court.
Due to the sensitive nature of such cases, sexual assault victims are often terrified of reporting their experiences to the police.
Then, after the matters are investigated, persons are charged. The case usually moves at a slow pace through the court system.
And when the matters do reach the court, victims may decline to continue with the matter due to the time it takes and how traumatising the experience can be.
However, with the purpose-built facility in operation, jurists have reported that more sexual assault victims are finding the courage to seek justice via the courts.
During the proceedings, judges are required to take the evidence manually but there is a built in recording system operating in the court as well.

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