DRAFTING WORKSHOP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WITNESS PROTECTION GUIDELINES

 I am pleased to be here today as we commence this four-day workshop focused on developing comprehensive guidelines for witness protection. This initiative is timely in our collective efforts to enhance justice and ensure the safety of those who play a crucial role in our legal processes.

First and foremost, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for your continued partnership and support.

A special thank you is due to Mrs. Marce Gillepse, our esteemed international expert who will be sharing her extensive expertise with us throughout this workshop. Your knowledge and insights will undoubtedly guide us in crafting robust and effective guidelines. I would also like to express our deep appreciation to the TIP Secretariat for their invaluable role in facilitating this initiative.

Additionally, I wish to acknowledge the various government entities from across the country that have facilitated the participation of their representatives in this workshop, namely; The Attorney General’s Office, Social Services Department, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles, Department of Immigration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Education, the Financial Crime Investigation Unit, SITZ, the Prison Services, the Police Department and the Foreign Affairs Department. Your collaboration is crucial in ensuring that we have a diverse and comprehensive perspective as we develop these important guidelines.

The development of this witness protection guidelines is of paramount importance for Seychelles. Witnesses play a pivotal role in the justice system by providing crucial information and testimony that help uphold the rule of law and combat all sorts of crime. Protecting these individuals is not just a matter of safety; it is essential for the integrity of our legal processes and the trust our citizens place in the justice system.

The benefits to Seychelles are profound, we will not only enhance the safety and well-being of witnesses, but also reinforce our commitment to upholding justice and human rights. This initiative will contribute to a more resilient legal framework, capable of addressing the complexities of modern challenges while adhering to the highest standards of protection and fairness. Thus, strengthening witness protection will bolster our capacity to combat Organised crime, trafficking in persons, and other serious offences. It will also enforce our commitment to human rights and the rule of law, fostering a safer and more just society for all.

The importance of these guidelines cannot be overstated. By establishing clear and comprehensive guidelines, we aim to:

1.   Ensure the safety and security of witnesses who come forward to support investigations and prosecutions.
2.   Strengthen the overall effectiveness of our justice system by encouraging more witnesses to participate without fear.
3. Align our practices with national laws and policies, as well as regional and international legal frameworks and good practicesand with international human rights standards that are comprehensive and consistent with global best practices. 

Thank you once again to all our partners and experts for your dedication and support. I look forward to the valuable outcomes of this workshop and to the continued progress we will achieve together. Good luck!

Thank you.