Bangui, Central African Republic – MINUSCA today handed over a batch of office equipment to the Bangui Juvenile Court – part of a phased refurbishment project aimed at enhancing the functioning of the institution’s day-to-day operations.
The handover marks the third phase of the project aimed at providing the court facilities with much-needed IT equipment. The articles – seven computers, three printers and over two dozen 28 ink cartridges – were delivered to the court authorities during a handover ceremony at the court’s premises.
The Bangui Juvenile Court – the only fully functional juvenile court in the Central African Republic (CAR) – is charged with both the investigation and adjudication of cases involving minors. The court was beset by enormous operational challenges prior to the MINUSCA project: the courtroom was in a complete state of disrepair; court employees had to rely on a sole computer to deal with all court processes; water ran in the dilapidated chambers; an unbearable stench made the room practically inoperative. This acutely undermined the work of the court, resulting in chronic delays in dealing with cases involving minors, many of whom were left languishing in detention centres for extended periods of time.
“We are profoundly grateful for MINUSCA’s support. It will allow for the fair and efficient delivery of justice. Many of the failures of our justice system are not because of a shortage of staff; it is the lack of proper infrastructure that is our greatest stumbling block,” said the Director of Criminal Affairs and Pardons, Saint-Paul Ndongo-Sindo while receiving the equipment.
The initial project phase aimed to eliminate all physical challenges. It involved the renovation of the courtroom, which was completed in February this year. Office supplies and furniture were subsequently delivered to the courtroom and its adjoining administrative offices in March 2020.
The donation will not only benefit persons subject to the jurisdiction of the court such as minors and their families but also provide decent working conditions for court staff. The revamped premises will allow for the regular holding of correctional and criminal hearings for juveniles, in accordance with Central African law.
The project was made possible through MINUSCA programmatic funding to the tune of over 19 million CFA. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Central African Republic courts as well as the rule of law. Such assistance also extends to providing strategic advice to the national judicial authorities.
“The equipment will strengthen the functioning and efficiency of the CAR judicial system by improving the provision of juvenile justice. Ultimately, the project will boost the pursuit of justice for minors,”said Michel Romaric Azalou, MINUSCA Judicial Affairs Officer.