Stakeholders in the justice system have identified cultural and traditional beliefs as challenges regarding gender equality in the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ).
They advocated for more enlightenment to ensure gender inclusivity in ACJ and creation of more shelters for victims of domestic violence, rapes and other related crimes.
The stakeholders made the call in Benin City, during a two-day Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice Regime.
The event which was organised by CLEEN Foundation had representatives of the Police; Nigerian Correctional Service; National Human Rights Commission; Nigerian Bar Association; Civil Society Organisations and Edo state Ministry of Justice in attendance.
The Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter, expressed concern that women and individuals often faced unique challenges and bias within the administration of criminal justice process.
Gad, who was represented by the programme officer of the Foundation, Ebere Mbaegbu, described ACJ as the “cornerstone of any society.”
He noted that ACJ was key to the framework for the rule of law, protection of rights, and upholds public trust.
“This framework must be continually assessed and reformed to ensure it serves all community members equally,” Gad said.
On his part, representative of Edo state Attorney General, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the state’s Justice System “serves all citizens equally and justly without discrimination.”