WE CAUGHT UP WITH VANESSA TO TALK ABOUT THIS LATEST INITIATIVE.
DNAforAfrica is dedicated to the use of advocacy outreach and forensic expertise to aid the development of DNA databases and casework programs throughout Africa. We have convened high-level scientific workshops for forensic practitioners, as well as hosted two forensic DNA symposiums in South Africa and Kenya over the course of the last year. These DNA events provide a platform for key forensic specialists and change advocates to interact and present innovative solutions to the unique challenges faced by many countries in Africa in the fight against sexual violence and crime. It has also afforded the forensic community in Africa an opportunity to learn more about the role and potential of DNA in the criminal justice system WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND DNAFORAFRICA
Adv.Bonnie Currie-Gamwo with Dr Vanessa Lynch at the UNODC DNA Evidence in GBV Cases held in Tanzania
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
Our goal is to help find solution-based action in the fight against crime in Africa. We do this by adopting a holistic approach, which we call #CATCH #CAMPAIGN: We support campaigns that advocate for the inception of DNA policies and laws #ACQUAINT: We help educate administrations and the public on why forensic DNA is important and how it aids to both deter and detect offenders. #TRACK: We track the establishment and growth of DNA Databases and forensic DNA labs throughout Africa, as well as monitor the reduction of DNA Backlogs. #CAPACITATE: We help to ensure that the appropriate DNA capacity is in place to support the implementation of DNA policies and laws. #HIGHLIGHT: We identify and highlight obstacles such as DNA backlogs, lagging DNA policies, and limited DNA capacity, offering solutions to redress these roadblocks to help combat crime.
Dr Vanessa Lynch
DNA for Africa
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Dec 2022 | Collective Action Magazine
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