Launch of the Judicial Bench Book on Trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation
Launched the Judicial Bench Book on Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Exploitation. 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.
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. 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.
The Bench Book will go a long way to sensitize 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.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the International Association of Women Judges Kenya Chapter and Equality Now for their partnership and collaboration in compiling this Bench Book.
