Twenty-three forensic experts and law enforcement officers from Jamaica received training on how to conduct gender-sensitive firearms investigations.
From 24 to 31 May 2022, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), in coordination with the Ministry of National Security of Jamaica, carried out the Specialised Course on Firearms Investigations from a Gender Perspective (FIGP), aimed at strengthening participants’ technical knowledge on gender-sensitive firearms-related criminal investigations.
Participants came from the following institutions: Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine; Jamaica Defence Force; Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA);Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The course was aimed at applying gender perspectives to criminal firearms investigations as a complementary method of analysis, thereby contributing to hypothesis free from stereotypes, as well as to identifying evidence of gender-based violence, and ensuring the respect of victims’ human rights. The presence of firearms in cases of violence against women does not only cause fatal outcomes. Firearms are also used as tools to threaten, intimidate and coerce women. Course participants agreed on the importance of strengthening interinstitutional cooperation among the different agencies involved in cases of violence against women, thus optimising their individual and collective efforts to reduce the levels of impunity. Through the support of these training activities, the Government of Jamaica showcases its commitment to prevent and eradicate violence against women.
This activity is part of the EU-funded project in support of gender mainstreamed policies, programmes and actions in the fight against small arms trafficking and misuse, in line with the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
