New Commonwealth Manual on Human Rights Training for Police

The training of police officers enhances their knowledge of law and procedure, the limits on power and respect for the basic rights of individuals, said Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Florence Mugasha in a foreword to the newly produced ‘Commonwealth Manual on Human Rights Training for Police’.

She noted that the manner in which police and law enforcement officers carry out their duties in the community contributes towards conditions in which human and economic development can flourish.

The Deputy Secretary-General added that this manual will assist police and prisons training institutions in Commonwealth countries to build knowledge and respect for human rights.

Rabab Fatima, Head of the Human Rights Unit of the Commonwealth Secretariat, who launched the manual on 12 June 2006 at the opening of a five-day Commonwealth Workshop on Human Rights Training for Police in Eastern Africa in Kampala, Uganda, said the manual will enable police and law enforcement trainers to build human rights standards and approaches into the existing curriculum of their training institutions. The manual includes chapters on policing and human rights in relation to counter-terrorism and human rights responsibilities of prison and penitentiary officials. Ms Fatima stated that these enforcement officers can demonstrate respect for human rights by exercising restraint and dignity even in the most provocative situations.

"Abusive conduct by police officers or police excesses have the consequence of alienating the community in which they must work, leading to cycles of distrust and making police work harder to do. The day-to-day conduct of police in protecting and ensuring the human rights of all persons contributes to safe, stable and peaceful communities. It is important that the police appear as trusted and respected protectors of the community and guardians of human rights, rather than as violators," she said.

Ms Fatima pointed out that effective policing involves respect for the law, regard for the rights of the vulnerable and overall good community relations. On the other hand, she noted that police officers also have rights as individuals and they deserve protection from humiliation and discrimination based on race, ethnicity or religion. They also deserve safe and fair working conditions and sufficient resources to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently, she added.

About 30 senior police trainers and prison training officers from Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania are participating in the workshop.

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 289, 14 June 2006