Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Department of Research, Dissemination and Legal Training in the field of Criminal Affairs of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) organised a training course on Prosecution and Adjudication of International Wildlife Trafficking for Prosecutors and Judges in Cambodia.
The first-ever training took place in Phnom Penh, from Feb. 21 to 25, 2022. The course was split into two sessions consisting of two and a half days each. A total of 50 Judges and Prosecutors travelled from all provinces in Cambodia to attend the course.
According to a press release of WCS, it is the first time such training has been provided to Judges and Prosecutors in Cambodia. The course aimed to build capacity of participants on basic knowledge of wildlife trafficking, and equip them with the knowledge and skills to effectively prosecute and adjudicate wildlife crime cases. The course was funded by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the United States Department of State. It was presided over by H.E. Ms. Khiev Sophany, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice.
“International Wildlife Trafficking is one of the major threats to biodiversity conservation. Courts have a key role to play on the front line to combat wildlife crime. We are committed and continue to support the Royal Government’s efforts to end wildlife trafficking, to build a world where wildlife and humans live in harmony.” Said WCS Country Programme Director Dr. Ken Sereyrotha in his welcome remarks.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press