Caption: UNODC adult education expert introduces UNODC modules to trainees
MAPUTO, Mozambique, 28 September 2023 - Mozambique, like many nations, has felt the corrosive effects of corruption within its public institutions. The challenge of building a culture of lawfulness has to be shared among all national institutions, with a special role to play by criminal justice institutions. In a world where the rule of law forms the bedrock of functioning societies, empowering judicial institutions with ethical values and integrity becomes paramount.
In this sense, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Helsinki Rule of Law Centre have joined forces to support Mozambique’s justice sector by organizing a training programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of trainers of the national Centre for Legal and Judicial Training (CFJJ) on anticorruption, ethics, and integrity. The multi-course training programme was recently concluded with a final training conducted from September 27 to 28, following the previous courses held in November 2022, March and May 2023.
Antonio De Vivo, Head of UNODC Mozambique, opened the event with a welcoming remark, envisioning the course not as a training but rather a dialogue and discussion. Dr. Zulficar Ramã, Deputy Director of CFJJ, further expressed appreciation for the support from UNODC and the Helsinki Rule of Law Centre and underscored CFJJ’s commitment to soon work independently by adapting the UNODC tools and guides for the tertiary level of education.
The training course brought together 15 trainers from various criminal justice institutions, including prosecutors, defense lawyers and judges, to reinforce their ethical awareness and practical application of the tools and knowledge necessary to combat corruption and promote integrity within the justice system. The participants were introduced to the UNODC modules and teaching guides on ethics and integrity, which not only deepened their understanding of the core values of ethics and integrity but also empowered them to tailor and integrate the instructions to their existing curricula in accordance with the unique needs and challenges of the Mozambican justice system.
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the theoretical section was complemented by interactive group-based work, examining various case studies and exercises. Fruitful discussions were held among participants covering a wide range of ethical aspects in various contexts including within family units, religion, and the peaceful and multi-religious history of Mozambique. The trainees also had the opportunity to put the acquired knowledge and tools into practice, by preparing and showcasing class materials based on the UNODC modules. This hands-on approach ensured that the principles of ethics and integrity are not just theoretical concepts but practical tools that can be wielded effectively within the justice sector.
One participating prosecutor remarked that the training was highly engaging and practical, recommending the use of modules by anyone - regardless of their field of expertise -, commenting that “We are in a crisis of values. It is thus very important to revive these values.”
Joana Wrabetz, adult education expert of UNODC, emphasized the universality of the vital principles of ethics and integrity, saying that “It was very interesting to see the interaction between the judges from Finland and our partners here in Mozambique.” “At first,” explained Wrabetz, “there was some insecurity as our partners felt their realities were too different, but when you talk about integrity and ethics for judges, prosecutors, public defenders, or any other profession…whether in Finland, Mozambique or anywhere else, you quickly realize there is a lot in common.”
UNODC’s educational initiative in Mozambique stands as an example of how education can serve as a powerful catalyst for a positive change. By empowering key stakeholders within the justice sector with ethical values and integrity, UNODC will continue to support Mozambique’s strides toward a more just society and transparent institutions.
