Rwanda’s Chief Justice Prof. Sam Rugege has noted that recognition and elimination of prejudices within the judiciary is essential to prevent erroneous assumptions being made about the credibility or actions of those from different backgrounds.
Prof.Rugege made the remarks Wednesday while opening a three-day seminar for judicial officers on social context and other issues affecting consumers of judicial services from EAC member states.
He said, “As judicial officers, our outlook is based on our own knowledge, experience and understanding, just like everybody else. This may lead to misinterpretation or failure to understand those who are different or have different needs.”
The chief Justice noted that most people who are socially or economically disadvantaged may be affected by inferiority complex while before court, challenging the judicial officers to be cognisant of such social problems and address them accordingly.
He noted that for a long time in Africa, laws were not gender sensitive and did not guarantee the same level of protection to women compared to men, which has helped nurture stereotypes.
He called for increased awareness on social issues like gender equality.
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