A two-day training seminar on international norms in criminal justice has been organised for the Judiciary, The Gambia Bar Association and other actors in the sector such as the police prosecutors.
The training seminar, funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), is part of the Legal Capacity Building Programme Phase 11 (LCBP).
Mr. Sanna Dahaba, Project Co-ordinator LCBP 11 explained that the objectives of DFID's support is to ensure that the Gambian legal system is strengthened through the introduction of incremental reforms that will improve efficiency and effectiveness, and will better ensure access to justice for the poor.
According to Mr. Dahaba, Phase II will continue to develop the processes begun in Phase I (2004-2007). He added that it will support DFID's overall policy aims in The Gambia focusing on prompting human rights and participatory processes, and achieving better performance against the international development targets through the
Mr. Dahaba noted that the purpose of the training seminar is to further develop participant's knowledge of international norms in criminal justice, in particular international human rights. "It is anticipated that participants will have some knowledge in this area, and therefore this training seminar is an opportunity to refresh and expand their knowledge and to discuss and explore the practical application of these norms in The Gambia," he said.
He further revealed that the project, which started with a three month assessment stage, aims to gain an understanding of the legal sectors development needs, to inform the development of the proposed work plan and to raise awareness of the project.