Statement by the Chargé d’Affaires at the opening of the training seminar for judicial actors
Address by the Chargé d’Affaire of the Embassy of the United States of America at the opening ceremony of the training seminar for judicial actors on the new code of civil, commercial, and social procedures, and the workshop on « terrorism, trafficking in persons, and cybercrime »
(N’Djamena, July 12 to 16, 2021)
Your Excellency the Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice, in charge of Human Rights,
Mr. Director General of the National School of Judicial Training,
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the judiciary,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I have the distinct privilege of joining you today, on the opening of the last training session for Judicial Actors, organized by the PARCAJUT project of the National School of Judicial Training, on innovations of the New Code of Civil, Commercial and Social Procedure Law on terrorism, trafficking in persons, and cybercrime.
The presence of 100 participants, including magistrates, lawyers, bailiffs, judicial police officers, as well as prison administration officials, civil society actors and many participants from all jurisdictions under the jurisdiction of N’Djamena’s Court of Appeals, is an illustration of the importance of commitment to the rule of law in Chad.
The United States and Chad are united in their condemnation of terrorism and their determination to prevent future attacks. We commend Chad’s efforts to bring those responsible to justice and reaffirm our commitment to our strong counterterrorism partnership to avoid future attacks.
Human trafficking is a terrible crime. It is a global crisis, and it is a huge source of human suffering. By its nature, it is often hidden from view. The exact figures are sometimes difficult to determine. The estimate we often quote is that approximately 25 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking. Many are forced into prostitution. Many are forced to work in factories or fields, or to join armed groups. Millions of trafficking victims are children.
This crime is an affront to human rights, and it is an affront to human dignity. We are fighting it because it is the right thing to do. It is also in our interest to stop human trafficking. We know it destabilizes societies and economies. We must therefore do all we can as a global community to stop human trafficking wherever it occurs. Yet if we are to think globally, we must act locally. Indeed, in many ways, the fight against trafficking is carried out at the local level, one community at a time. Trainings like this can be important first steps in the fight against trafficking, provided that concrete actions follow.
The most pressing challenges facing our world cannot be solved by one country acting alone. It’s true for stopping COVID, it’s true for dealing with the climate crisis, it’s true for fighting human trafficking. We need to work together, share information, hold each other accountable. This is how we will create a world where no one is exploited by trafficking and where everyone can live in safety and dignity.
I would like to thank the trainers, as well as those in charge of the ENFJ, and especially the Ministry of Justice, for providing the legal framework necessary for the activities of this project, which is a first step on the path of the hard work necessary to ensure the rule of law for all, regardless of skin color, language, or political beliefs.
I hope these days will further consolidate your knowledge with the tools you will acquire here.
The lessons you will learn from them should be useful to you in your day-to-day work and I hope that you can apply them immediately in the performance of your duties. In doing so, you will help make your country a haven of peace for Chadian citizens.
Your Excellency the Minister, ladies, and gentlemen,
The United States is a friend of the Chadian people. Through the hard work that must follow initiatives like today’s, the Chadian people hold in their hands the capacity to guarantee the security, equity, and diversity of Chad for its future generations.
I wish your work every success.
Long live the cooperation between the United States of America and Chad!
Thank you.