Intermediaries and the International Obligation to Protect Child Witnesses in South Africa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2018/v21i0a2971

Keywords:

child witnesses, criminal proceedings, intermediary

Abstract

This contribution examines the protection of child witnesses in criminal proceedings under international and regional laws. This consideration is made against the background that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 proclaims in section 39(1)(b) that in interpreting the Bill of Rights and any legislation a court or tribunal must consider international law. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990) and the United Nations Guidelines on Justice for Child Victims and Witnesses to Crime (2005) do not make specific reference to child witnesses and how they should be treated. However, it is argued that the guiding principles enshrined therein provide for the protection of child witnesses, particularly the best interests of the child and the right to participate. In addition, the article enumerates and explains the rights of child witnesses as provided for in the UN Guidelines. International law will be discussed first, and then South African law, to establish if the international obligation to protect child witnesses is being adhered to.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Rongedzayi Fambasayi, North-West University

    LLB(Hons)(University of Zimbabwe),LLM (North-West University)

  • René Koraan, North-West University

    LLB, LLM (NWU). Lecturer, North-West University

References

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List of Abbreviations

ACRWC African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

AHRLJ African Human Rights Law Journal

CARSA Child Abuse Research: A South African Journal

CCTV Closed circuit television

CLP Current Legal Problems

CRC United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

DJCD Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

DSD Department of Social Development

ESC United Nations Economic and Social Counci

Published

16-04-2018

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Fambasayi, R., & Koraan, R. (2018). Intermediaries and the International Obligation to Protect Child Witnesses in South Africa. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 21, 1-30. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2018/v21i0a2971

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