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Highlights

07 June 2024

T4SEA: Shaping the Future of Criminal Justice in Southeast Asia

In the first week of June 2024, Bangkok was abuzz with transformative discussions on criminal justice, hosting two groundbreaking events under the T4SEA program. These sessions, focusing on investigative interviewing and the victim’s experience within the criminal justice system, marked significant strides towards more humane and effective law enforcement practices.

June 5: Shedding Light on the Victim’s Journey

On June 5, 2024, a pivotal panel discussion titled “The Victim’s Experience of Criminal Justice Process” brought together leading minds in psychology, forensic medicine, and victim advocacy. This gathering was not just an event but a heartfelt exploration into the complex realities faced by victims of crime.

Dr. Kulvadee Thongpibul kicked off the discussion with a deep dive into the psychological aftermath of crime. She painted a vivid picture of the neurobiological changes and trauma responses that victims endure, highlighting how insensitive criminal justice practices can often amplify their suffering. Dr. Samantha Jeffries from Griffith University followed with a compelling call for a justice system that respects and empowers victims, stressing the need for systemic changes to offer better support and protection and Dr. Panuwat Chutivongse added a critical perspective on child maltreatment, underscoring the necessity for a coordinated approach to safeguard and support young victims.

Throughout the discussion, several critical themes emerged:

  • Secondary Victimization: The further traumatization or negative interactions that victims often face within the criminal justice process itself.
  • Trauma-informed Care: The urgent need for all criminal justice professionals to be trained on trauma and its impacts.
  • Comprehensive Support Services: The essential role of providing holistic support, including legal, medical, and psychological assistance.

The panel concluded with a powerful call to action: integrating trauma-informed practices across the criminal justice system and prioritizing the dignity and rights of victims.

June 7: A New Era in Law Enforcement

On June 7, 2024, the focus shifted to the future of law enforcement with the program “Implementing the Emerging Global Standards on Investigative Interviewing,” hosted by the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights by Susanne Hendrika Floelo and Ivar André Fahsing, who shared practical applications and the importance of ethical interviewing in law enforcement. This initiative is set to revolutionize how law enforcement agencies approach the critical task of interviewing suspects, moving away from traditional interrogation methods towards more ethical and effective practices.

The session offered a deep dive into investigative interviewing, a technique that champions the protection of human rights while ensuring the extraction of reliable and comprehensive information. Participants explored international laws related to human rights and interviewing standards, delved into the nuances of investigative interviewing, and engaged incase studies and group discussions.

This shift is more than just a change in technique; it’s a transformation in mindset. Investigative interviewing is grounded in respect for human dignity and the pursuit of justice, ensuring that interviews are conducted without coercion and focus on gathering accurate, actionable information. This method aligns with international human rights standards, reinforcing a global commitment to fair and humane treatment of all individuals, particularly those within the justice system.

The training sessions have laid a robust foundation for a future where effective justice and human rights are intertwined. More law enforcement officials across the globe are adopting/progressing/sth which indicates the work in progressequipped with the knowledge and techniques to respect individual rights and foster public trust. This initiative not only enhances the skills of individual officers but also propels the global justice system towards a more ethical and effective future.

Stay tuned as we continue this journey towards a more just, equitable, and effective system of criminal justice across Southeast Asia.

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