Importance of effective criminal justice system highlighted

Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, Uffe Wolffhechel, Head of United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime Pakistan (UNODC), Jeremy Douglas, visited a local police station in Nowshera Kalan damaged by the 2010 floods to highlight the importance of effective criminal justice systems, says a press release received here on Thursday.
The visit was paid to mark the recently signed agreement between the Government of Denmark and the UNODC. Under the MoU, Denmark has committed USD 1.7 million for the year 2011 with the UNODC. The Danish contribution will be utilised with the aim to improve border control and the criminal justice system in Pakistan.
Douglas spoke to those assembled about the importance of supporting the police and public servants that assist citizens with security in their community. He noted that police services are often taken for granted, as they are typically the first point of contact between people and their government. He further highlighted the important role the police they played after the floods and urged others in the international community to support the police.
Ambassador Wolffhechel expressed the Danish Government's wish to enhance security and the rule of law in Pakistan. He stated that "combating organised and drug-related crime was a key element for developing a more secure society for the people of Pakistan. According to our need assessment, the prison system is a critical component of the criminal justice system in Pakistan - a particular cause for concern is the exceptionally high level of under-trial prisoners."
He also said that the programme would be supporting anti-corruption agencies to detect corruption and manage cases as well as advocate these cases internationally and domestically, backed by evidence drawn from research. Ambassador Wolffhechel further said that Denmark strongly supported on-going regional processes aimed at developing a regional consensus for peace, security, stability and development, emphasising Denmark's commitment to strengthen this co-operation.
Along with the UNODC agreement, this brings the Danish state-sponsored donations to humanitarian aid and development for Pakistan to a total of 44.5 million dollars. According to the UNODC, access to justice and legitimate dispute resolution are fundamental to the stability of Pakistan, directing personal and political grievances into peaceful channels and improving trust between citizen and state.
The UNODC is focusing on fundamental components of the processes that obtain and implement justice, including law enforcement agencies, prosecution and prison services. In policing, the programme supports the development of central management capacities, for example in human resources, training approaches and crime data collection. A primary area for attention is crime scene management and forensic capacities. To turn investigations into timely and appropriate sanctions, UNODC will also assist Pakistan's provincial and specialised prosecution services. Recognising that prisoner rehabilitation is crucial for reducing crime and turning convicts into constructive members of society, the program will provide advice to Pakistan's prison managers, updates to the regulatory framework and training for key staff.