Witness Protection in Global Perspective: An Analysis of International Laws

Abstract

Witness protection is a significant part of international criminal justice system. The purpose is to secure witnesses from reprisals and threats. Numerous agreements and laws have been designed all over the world to protect witnesses against intimidation, reprisals and injury. This paper analyzes thoroughly the strategies and underlying global legal frameworks for the protection of witnesses in international criminal justice systems around the globe. It also looks at the various ways used across the world in tackling this fatal issue. It also emphasizes the need for states’ coordination to strongly implement these measures. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime sets forth fundamental guidelines for witness protection including safeguards with regard to physical security, anonymity and relocation of the witnesses and their families. Despite all of this, providing sufficient funding for implementation and bringing national law into accord with international standards remain issues. It is necessary to foster international cooperation for effectively fighting transnational threats. Testimony is promoted, not least by safeguarding witnesses, not only because witnesses so important to justice, but also because of their role as a bulwark of the rule of law internationally. Witness protection effectiveness is dependent on strong legislative frameworks and inter-agency collaboration at the domestic and international level. Agencies, like UNODC, are always creating best practices and recommendations to improve these frameworks worldwide. Witness protection encouraged people to tell the truth without worrying about fear or being injured, which not only helped in pursuit of justice but also strengthen the rule of law, says the article.