BY SHABAN OMARÂ
The International Justice Mission has called for a stronger collaboration between journalists and police officers to better protect the rights of women and children.
IJM officer Naomi Maina expressed concern over the numerous gender-based violence (GBV) cases that fail to progress due to a lack of substantial evidence.
She emphasized the critical role that both the media and law enforcement can play in ensuring justice is served to victims of such heinous crimes.
Maina pointed out that many GBV cases are either dismissed or fail to reach the courts because the evidence collected is often insufficient.
The officer noted that the situation is a significant barrier to achieving justice for the victims, many of whom are left without recourse.
“Many GBV cases are scrapped down for lacking substantial evidence, but if journalists and police officers partner, they can help collect more information,” she said.
Maina said the partnership between journalists and police officers is not just about gathering more evidence but also about ensuring that the evidence is credible and can hold up in court.
She added that Journalists, with their investigative skills and access to various sources of information, can uncover details that may not be immediately apparent to law enforcement whereas police officers, with their legal authority and investigative training, can ensure that the evidence collected meets the legal standards required for prosecution.
Maina said the collaboration can also help in raising awareness about the prevalence and seriousness of gender-based violence.
She said when journalists report on GBV cases, they bring them to the public’s attention, which can lead to greater societal pressure for action and change.
The officer expressed concern that in the coastal region, many GBV perpetrators often flee to Tanzania to escape justice.
Maina said the cross-border flight makes it difficult for local authorities to apprehend the culprits and bring them to trial.
She said that involving journalists in the GBV cases could significantly improve the chances of nabbing the wrongdoers.
“By leveraging the power of investigative journalism and widespread media coverage, journalists can help track and expose the whereabouts of these perpetrators, making it harder for them to evade justice,” she said.
Maina said reports in the media can also put pressure on regional authorities to cooperate more closely, ensuring that those who commit such crimes cannot simply cross a border to escape accountability.
She said that the collaboration could also serve as a deterrent, signaling to would-be perpetrators that they cannot evade justice simply by fleeing to a neighboring country.
Maina said that increased public awareness through media coverage can lead to stronger cross-border cooperation, making it more difficult for offenders to find safe haven and ensuring they are brought to justice regardless of where they attempt to hide.
The officer also explained that thorough and accurate reporting can also help to educate the public about the legal processes involved in GBV cases, the rights of victims, and the support available to them.
She further suggested that training sessions could be organized to equip journalists and police officers with the necessary skills to work together effectively.
The right defender said that the training sessions could cover topics such as evidence collection, the legal requirements for prosecuting GBV cases, and the ethical considerations involved in reporting on such sensitive issues.
Maina urged journalists to steadfastly uphold the principles of their profession by uncovering the truth, offering critical insights, and correcting misinformation where necessary.
She emphasized that media practitioners should carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, stressing the importance of protecting the interests of the less voiced people in the community and their role in holding perpetrators accountable and fostering transparency in the fight against gender-based violence.
