A three-day training session on human rights is taking place at Rundu to strengthen the practical implementation of legal protections and improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups.
The training is hosted under the theme, "Understanding Access to Justice and the Legislative Framework to Combat Gender-Based Violence, Trafficking in Persons, and Child Care and Protection."
The programme brings together representatives from key institutions, including the ministries of Justice and Gender Equality, police, and the Office of the Judiciary.
"This training, organised jointly by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Office of the Ombudsman, provides an invaluable platform to deepen our understanding of how legal provisions are translated into actual protection. How systems respond to human rights violations and how institutions can better serve those in need of justice. Gender-based violence, human trafficking, and child neglect are not abstract policy concerns, and they are daily devastating realities for far too many. Confronting those demands is more than just compassionate. It requires coordination. It requires legal clarity and institutional courage," explained Director at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Anna Hoffmann Kwanga.
Over the three days, participants will explore issues such as legal aid, protection orders, community courts, gender-based and domestic violence, the rights of children, disability inclusion, and modern-day slavery.
Governor of the Kavango East Region, Julius Hambyuka, stated that it is important to empower the community through knowledge of human rights, with a particular focus on the right to access justice.
"Human rights are not legal issues. They are issues that touch on the very dignity and humanity of our people, that impact their everyday lives. The Constitution of our Republic guarantees every person the right to a fair hearing and access to the mechanisms of justice. But for many, especially women, children, persons with disabilities, and people in rural and marginalised communities, justice remains an idea rather than a reality. Access to justice is about more than just courts and legal procedures."
Governor Hambyuka further emphasised that communities, especially those along transport corridors and border towns, are at risk as traffickers exploit young women and children, while gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing human rights challenges in the country.
Hambyuka calls for increased awareness to strengthen community vigilance.