In a series of meetings with entities involved in detecting and investigating these crimes, the Foundation presented the results of a diagnostic study on the issue and invited the institutions to a working group to discuss improvements. The first milestone of this collaboration will be a groundbreaking seminar organized by Amparo y Justicia, to be held in October.
With the goal of strengthening the detection and investigation of child and adolescent (NNA) homicides and suspicious deaths in Chile, Fundación Amparo y Justicia has concluded a series of meetings with representatives from various institutions.
These bilateral meetings, held between July and August of this year, involved authorities and representatives from Carabineros de Chile, the Subsecretary for Crime Prevention, the Police Investigations Unit (PDI), the Ministry of Health, the Forensic Medical Service (SML), the National Prosecutor’s Office, the Children’s Ombudsman, the Judiciary, and the Subsecretary for Children. The purpose of these meetings was to analyze the challenges facing the current system in investigating these cases.
During the meetings, Amparo y Justicia presented the results of a diagnostic study that identifies the key gaps and challenges in the investigation of NNA homicides in the country.
The diagnostic report generated consensus among the institutions, who agreed on the urgent need to improve response and coordination processes.
Loreto Moore, Executive Director of Fundación Amparo y Justicia, highlighted that, “In every institution we visited, we perceived a great interest in the study we presented and a strong willingness to work together and coordinate efforts to improve criminal investigation processes concerning NNA cases.”
One of the most significant outcomes of these meetings was the commitment to establish a new working group, composed of designated representatives from each institution. This group will aim to foster a coordinated, inter-institutional approach to addressing the identified challenges.
Carolina Sobarzo, sociologist in charge of the diagnostic report at Amparo y Justicia, stated that, “It has been essential to meet with all these institutions to discuss the system’s response to these cases. These meetings allowed us to identify issues that might be affecting the outcomes, and, through joint effort, to devise appropriate solutions tailored to our reality.”
First seminar on child and adolescent homicides
The first milestone of this inter-institutional collaboration will be the organization of a seminar by Amparo y Justicia, titled “Challenges in Investigating Child and Adolescent Homicides,” which will take place on October 9 at the main campus of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
At this event, where representatives from the various institutions will be present, leading national and international experts on the topic will present their insights.
For more information about the talks and speakers, please visit the following link.
