Uganda: Judicial System Fails Women, Says Amnesty

Shavon Pulley/ Feb 7 /4:45/Gender Issues

Human rights groups in Uganda blames the judicial system for the mistreating of their women. These women are trying to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Also added to the mistreatment are those that work for the government officials and military officers were among those responsible for the abuse.
Many of the younger females as well as older females are the target for their abuse. One woman that was abused said a government soldier had raped her, leaving her "devastated" and HIV positive. She also so added that seeking justice is "scary and intimidating." When such crimes have been committed, the group said police officers are few and far between, and often inexperienced. Once at a police station, it is difficult for a woman to get a medical examination – an important step in implicating a perpetrator. Victims are often charged for the examinations, and they and their families are sometimes required to pay an illegal "photocopying fee" to make copies of forms. Victims are usually too poor to afford to pay these costs. With out the legal documentation, the suspect can not be caught.
One report had stated "The justice system in northern Uganda ignores, denies, and tacitly condones violence against women and girls and protects suspected perpetrators." They are protecting these people and not doing anything to help this situation. Many of the cases have been lost in the system or many don't file because they fear the lack of support to get justice.
This situation in Uganda is amazing to me because these women are getting taken advantage of and no one will help them gain the justice they deserve. The women have no one to trust because government officials and military officers are some of the main people hurting them and not doing their job of helping them. Without any support from a higher level, these women feel that there is little or no hope for them to gain respect as women.

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