The United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (UNIRMCT), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and Strathmore Law School (SLS) partnered to conduct a training for prosecutors on tactics they can utilise to ensure perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to book.

From 14th to 16th March 2022, prosecutors from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda received training on understanding and proving contextual elements of gender based crimes in times of conflict. One of the highlights of the training was an interactive session on ways to address courtroom challenges effectively. In a simulation of a number of court cases that have been brought before the  International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), UNIRMCT, the trainees were able to discuss strategies to ensure that they get the best possible outcomes for the victims of these crimes.

From Left: Laurel Baig, UNIRMCT; Dr. Stefanie Rothenberger, KAS; Serge Brammetz, UNIRMCT; and Thembidle Langamandla, UNIRMCT

The training culminated in the launch of a Handbook on Prosecuting Conflict Related Sexual Violence. The book is the result of a partnership between KAS and UNIRMCT under the Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa.  Key guests for the launch included:

• Rtd. Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, former Vice President at the International Criminal Court
• Serge Brammetz, Chief Prosecutor, UNIRMCT
• Dr. Stefanie Rothenberger, KAS
• Jacinta Nyamosi, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
• Representatives from the Embassies of Italy, Uganda, Rwanda, French and representatives from the Canada and Australian High Commissions.
• Ms. Laurel Baig, UNIRMCT
• Thembidle Langamandla, UNIRMCT

SLS looks forward to other partnerships that aid its goal to be a centre renowned for excellence in legal education and research, guided by a commitment to pursue justice.