Maharaj urges victim-centred approach to tackling organised crime

Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj has called for a more balanced and victim-sensitive approach to combating organised crime, urging policymakers to address the social factors that draw women into criminal networks while maintaining strong action against criminal organisations.

Maharaj made the appeal while delivering the opening address at the EL PAcCTO 2.0 Regional Workshop on The Role of Women in Organised Crime in the Caribbean on Tuesday.

The workshop, hosted in collaboration with the European Union and regional partners under the European Programme of Assistance to Combat Corruption and Organised Crime in Latin America (EL PAcCTO), brought together security officials, legal experts and policymakers from across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Maharaj said the changing nature of transnational organised crime requires a more comprehensive strategy that goes beyond traditional law enforcement measures.

He said governments must develop a better understanding of the root causes, social drivers and the specific ways women become involved in organised crime in order to develop more effective responses.

Maharaj stressed that sustainable solutions must combine robust action against criminal enterprises with measures that protect and rehabilitate victims.

He said addressing organised crime requires a framework that is equally focused on dismantling criminal operations and supporting those who have been exploited or victimised.

The regional workshop is aimed at strengthening cooperation among participating countries by promoting more effective, transparent and rights-based criminal justice systems.

EL PAcCTO supports collaboration between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean to improve justice systems, reinforce the rule of law and enhance regional security.

Participants are expected to examine the role of women in organised crime, share best practices and explore policies that strengthen prevention, protection and prosecution efforts while safeguarding human rights.

The Ministry of Justice said it remains committed to advancing legislative and institutional reforms, as well as regional security initiatives, that strengthen the criminal justice system while protecting vulnerable populations.

The ministry added that continued cooperation with regional and international partners is essential to addressing increasingly sophisticated forms of organised crime and ensuring that justice systems remain effective, inclusive and responsive to the evolving security challenges facing the Caribbean.