By Dorothy Musyoka
In efforts to eliminate child labour in Kenya, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Children Division, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), concluded an intensive five-day training focused on enhancing the skills of prosecutors across the country.
The training held under the Accel Africa initiative, aimed at accelerating action to eradicate child labour in supply chains across Africa, underscored the pressing need for a unified and comprehensive approach to combat this critical issue.
“Drawing counsel from counties across the country, the training was designed to deepen understanding and enhance prosecutors’ skills in building strong cases, gathering evidence, and protecting child victims throughout the judicial process to address this pressing issue,” stated the ODPP.
Key topics included best practices for supporting child labour victims, effective referral mechanisms, and guiding principles in child justice.
The comprehensive curriculum aimed to equip participants with the necessary tools to champion children’s rights and ensure justice is served.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Linda Ndambiri, Head of the ODPP Children Division, highlighted the urgency of collective action in advocating for child rights.
“The training, underscores the need to address this menace holistically, examining the legal framework and advocating for a child-centred approach within the justice system,” she said.
She further stated that addressing child labour requires a multidisciplinary approach, and prosecutors must work closely with law enforcement, social workers, and community organizations to ensure that cases are handled comprehensively and that victims receive the necessary support.
Ms. Hellen Rintari, ILO ACCEL Project Coordinator, she praised the enthusiasm and dedication of the counsel, reaffirming the collective responsibility to protect and safeguard children’s interests.
Additionally, participants were encouraged to see themselves as champions for children’s rights.
The training emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, urging prosecutors to collaborate closely with law enforcement, social workers, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive handling of cases and necessary support for victims.