|
|
25-26 July 2024 - With the aim of leveraging human rights and gender dimensions in criminal justice action in Trinidad and Tobago, CRIMJUST, under the Global Illicit Flows Programme and in collaboration with the UNODC Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean, convened a diverse range of stakeholders in Port of Spain from 25-26 July 2024, including the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Women, the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch, CARICOM IMPACS, Civil Society Organisations, the University of the West Indies, and the Stimson Center, who jointly developed a roadmap for the integration of human rights and gender considerations into organized crime investigations in Trinidad and Tobago.
During the opening session, the Hon. Reginald T.A. Armour SC, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, stressed the importance of consistently applying a human rights lens in criminal justice actions. He underscored the critical need to consider the roles of both victims and perpetrators in the nexus of organized crime, human rights, and gender. His remarks were complemented by insights from other distinguished panelists, including His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Tracey Hutchinson, Head of Office of the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Isiuwa Iyahen, UN Women Deputy Representative, Ms. Reba Granado-John, OHCHR Human Rights Advisor and UNODC GPCD CRIMJUST Coordinator Mr. Mario Hemmerling.
The relevance of leveraging human rights and gender dimensions in transnational organized crime investigations – understanding the interlinkage between organized crime, human rights, and gender.
Despite the need for tough action against organized crime, the consideration of human rights and gender perspectives in organized crime investigations is pivotal for generating effective responses in the criminal justice system.
Adherence to human rights standards throughout the investigative process is not just a legal requirement but also a strategic imperative. Evidence obtained through unlawful means or in violation of human rights norms may be deemed inadmissible in court, undermining the prosecution's case and potentially allowing perpetrators to evade accountability. Thus, investigations, prosecutions, adjudications, and sanctions that are gender-responsive and grounded in human rights principles not only ensure justice for victims and perpetrators but also strengthen criminal justice outcomes and are more effective against organized crime.
Moreover, the prioritization of gender and human rights considerations promotes inclusivity and fairness within the criminal justice system. As a consequence, investigations can better account for the diverse experiences and vulnerabilities of different groups affected by organized crime, ensuring that justice is served equitably. Also, incorporating human rights principles into investigations helps safeguard against abuses of power and violations of individuals' rights. This not only upholds the integrity of law enforcement efforts but also fosters public trust and cooperation, which are crucial for effective crime prevention and detection.
Gender-responsive approaches to organized crime investigations can uncover patterns of exploitation and victimization that might otherwise go unnoticed. Understanding how gender intersects with criminal activity can lead to more targeted interventions and support services for victims, ultimately breaking the cycle of victimization and reducing the prevalence of organized crime. By mainstreaming human rights and gender-sensitive considerations into organized crime investigations, law enforcement agencies can ensure that their efforts are both effective and ethical, ultimately leading to stronger outcomes in the fight against organized crime.
 |
X |
Course of the stakeholder meeting
Setting the scene for the development of the roadmap, the stakeholders elaborated on the significance of gender responsiveness in organized crime investigations, the question why human rights must be at the core of any anti-trafficking strategy, the nexus between organized crime and terrorism and the assessment of human rights and gender considerations within the counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism intersect.
After an overview of the relevant international transnational organized crime and human rights conventions and a discussion on existing national legal frameworks and policies related to human rights and gender responsiveness in organized crime investigations, the stakeholders delved into panel discussions on the building of institutional capacities, strategies for mainstreaming human rights and gender considerations into organized crime investigations and the importance of oversight and accountability mechanisms.
During the stakeholder meeting, key topics discussed included victimization, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups like women and marginalized communities, and ensuring the application of human rights principles - equality, non-discrimination, accountability, and the rule of law - at all stages of organized crime investigations.
 |
Discussions highlighted the need for awareness-raising to ensure right-holders understand their rights and the importance of gender-responsive approaches. Participants also explored the intersection of organized crime and terrorism, emphasizing the need for compliance with international human rights laws, fair trial guarantees, and the protection of civil liberties. The meeting underscored the significance of oversight and accountability mechanisms, public reporting, and the critical role of training in adhering to international laws and standards to avoid further victimization.
Subsequently, the stakeholders developed the draft roadmap in different groups. The consolidated draft of the roadmap will be discussed and further refined with the stakeholders. The finalized version will be shared with the responsible institutions.
CRIMJUST III is funded by the European Union under the Global Illicit Flows Programme. It seeks to enhance law enforcement and judicial counter-narcotic strategies beyond interdiction activities and to foster transnational responses targeting each stage of the drug supply chain.
More information can be found at:
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
- Global Illicit Flows Programme
