ZANZIBAR: AS survivors of violence increasingly rely on specialised police units for protection and justice, Gender and Children Desk officers in Zanzibar have been urged to strengthen their professional skills to improve service delivery.
The call was made by the Head of the Zanzibar Law School, Dr Ali Uki, who stressed the need for continuous capacity building to ensure the provision of quality services that meet required professional standards.
Speaking at the official opening of the third phase of a capacity-building training for Gender and Children Desk officers from two regions of Unguja at the Zanzibar Police College, Dr Uki underscored the importance of ongoing training in effectively addressing gender-based violence.
“Training is like research; without it, we cannot move forward. Through collaboration with international partners, significant efforts are being made to prevent, detect, investigate and address cases of violence and abuse that continue to affect society and the nation at large,” he said.
Dr Uki further urged the officers to strengthen cooperation with other criminal justice institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and to ensure proper collection of evidence capable of proving cases beyond reasonable doubt.
He noted that improved evidence handling would help reduce public complaints and enhance access to justice through the courts.
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Meanwhile, UNICEF Child Protection Officer Ammal Feisal Ibuni commended the Police Force—particularly officers from the Gender and Children Desk—for their professionalism and integrity in the execution of their duties.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue supporting initiatives aimed at combating abuse and exploitation.
On his part, the Head of the Zanzibar Gender and Children Desk, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ali Mohamed Othman, praised UNICEF for organising the training, saying it would bring positive change to communities, particularly in the handling of abuse-related cases.