The Society of State Advocates and Prosecutors of South Africa hosted the 4th IAP Global Forum for Associations of Prosecutors. The conference theme was: “Independence of Prosecutor’s Associations”. The conference target group is primarily representatives of prosecutors’ associations from all over the world. 48 representatives of Prosecutor’s Associations from 15 countries participated in the conference. Associations come in all sort and sizes and may differ from time and place.
The programme topics discussed were:
- The Importance of Independent Prosecutors Associations for Prosecutors and Prosecutorial Independence,
- How to Achieve Independence as A Prosecutor’s Association and Build Strong Relations with The Employer?
- Establishing International Guidelines and Guidebook for Prosecutors Association
- Compilation of Work Plan for The Global Forum
The new website (within the IAP website): The Forum for Associations of Prosecutors (FAP), was launched. FAP was established as a collective platform for associations of prosecutors working under the IAP umbrella. FAP now runs a web-based forum to facilitate the exchange of ideas about evolving best practices and to establish a library of basic documents and other materials. FAP’s aim is to provide a readily accessible means through which member associations can assist each other in their work. We are further committed to assisting prosecutors who are interested in establishing their own associations.
We concluded this fruitful session by discussing the next steps we can take towards the IAP-meeting in 2019. Luis Cevasco from Argentina, agreed to host the next (5th) Global Forum for Associations of Prosecutors in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The conference was held at the Lesedi Cultural Villages located in the heart of the African bushveld amidst the rocky hills within the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site. Participants discovered the fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa, visited five traditional homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes who live according to trial folklore and traditions of their ancestors. “Our culture is the light of our nation – whoever walks here amongst our cultures at aha Lesedi can also see the light.” The guests experienced true South African hospitality and participated in the lively cultural events and dancing! They were further spoiled with a mini African Safari at the Lion and Safari Park, Lanseria.
The conference concluded with a networking evening that included the SSAPSA members who arrived for SSAPSA’s annual general meeting. This event, next to the campfire whilst enjoying a traditional South African braai, established fruitful future networks.
To view the full photo gallery from this event, please click here.