The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL), with support from the UNDP-funded Spotlight Initiative 2.0 Response, has strengthened the capacity of more than 150 justice, security and protection actors through a series of capacity building sessions conducted instead Falaba, Kailahun and Moyamba Districts
The initiative aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in preventing and responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), with particular emphasis on survivor-centred case management, effective case documentation, referral pathways, protection mechanisms and improved coordination among relevant service providers.
The training brought together a diverse range of stakeholders involved in SGBV prevention, response and access to justice. Participants included Family Support Unit (FSU) personnel, representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, civil society organisations, local authorities, local court officials, members of the judiciary, pupils, Community-Based Organisations and networks, teachers and representatives of persons with disabilities, among other relevant actors.
Through interactive sessions, experience-sharing and practical discussions, participants strengthened their understanding of effective SGBV case handling, institutional responsibilities, appropriate documentation, timely referrals and the importance of protecting survivors’ dignity, safety, privacy and confidentiality.
By bringing together stakeholders from different sectors, CARL-SL sought to strengthen institutional collaboration, promote a shared understanding of responsibilities and improve coordination across the SGBV response mechanism. Particular attention was given to ensuring that survivors, especially women, girls and other vulnerable groups, can access justice and protection services without discrimination, stigma or unnecessary barriers.
Through these capacity-strengthening interventions, CARL-SL continues to contribute to building a more coordinated, responsive and survivor-centred justice and protection systems, while advancing access to justice and strengthening institutional responses to SGBV across the three target districts.
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