Chief Justice Martha Koome has launched a bench book aimed at combating the trafficking of persons for sexual exploitation.
This initiative coincides with the global commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.”
In a statement shared on her X account on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Koome highlighted the severity of the trafficking of persons for sexual exploitation noting that it’s the most atrocious of violations of human rights.
“Trafficking in persons, particularly for sexual exploitation, represents one of the most heinous violations of human rights. It predominantly affects women and girls, who are lured, coerced, and forced into situations of exploitation that strip them of their dignity and freedom,” she said.
The book aims to improve the comprehension of this heinous crime among all judicial officers and justice participants.
It details the components of trafficking for sexual exploitation and clarifies the legal and evidentiary difficulties frequently encountered in these cases.
Koome said that it underscores the systemic barriers that obstruct justice and redress for victims and survivors, offering guidance on how to navigate these challenges.
“The Bench Book on Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Exploitation is designed to enhance the understanding of this complex and pervasive crime among all judicial officers and justice players,” she said.
Adding;
“The Bench Book explains the elements of trafficking for sexual exploitation, and sheds light on the legal and evidentiary challenges that often arise in such cases. It also highlights the institutional barriers that impede access to justice and redress for victims and survivors, providing guidance on how to overcome these obstacles.”
Koome expressed her aspiration that the bench book would greatly raise awareness among judicial personnel, including judges, magistrates, prosecutors, advocates, and probation officers.
“It will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify potential victims, respond to their needs for support and protection, and adopt a human rights-based, victim-centered, gender- and child-sensitive, and trauma-informed approach to handling cases,” she stated.
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