This collaborative effort sought to ensure the handbook is not only comprehensive but also adaptable to the unique socio-cultural contexts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Through three focused sessions, participants examined the handbook's guidance on enhancing judicial processes, with emphasis on international and regional laws, trauma-informed approaches, and institutional best practices for addressing GBV. A key element discussed was the handbook’s victim-centered, gender-responsive approach, aimed at improving survivors’ experiences within the justice system while ensuring perpetrator accountability.
Feedback gathered from the participants highlighted the handbook’s effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by judicial officers in handling GBV cases. Suggestions were made to further integrate regional instruments, emphasize the importance of indigenous law, and incorporate additional guidance on trauma and gender-sensitive court practices.
One participant expressed concerns that international standards alone might not fully address the unique socio-economic and environmental factors impacting GBV cases in the region. There is a need for more regional instruments, better incorporation of indigenous law, and sensitivity training for judicial officers.” She said
As a result of the consultation, additional inputs will be collected, and a final version of the handbook will be developed with further support from stakeholders. By engaging the judiciary in this critical dialogue, UNODC continues to enhance the capacity of courts to deliver justice to GBV survivors, supporting the broader goal of gender equality and protection for women across the region.
The final handbook is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2024, empowering judicial officers to deliver fair and just outcomes in GBV cases across the SADC region.
