Demand for immediate publication of National Register for Sex Offenders

'RIGHT TO KNOW'

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

CIVIL rights organisation, Action Society, is demanding that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development publish the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) immediately, citing a moral failure in protecting vulnerable children as the register remains inaccessible.

But the department said they were unable to pin a date on the release of the NRSO, but they were prioritising the register’s release.

Terrence Manase, spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, said they were in the process of amending sections of the statute which prevented the register from being made public.

“This legislative review is necessary to ensure that the amendments are constitutionally sound and strike the tight balance between public access, privacy rights, and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

“We have circulated a draft proposal to selected key stakeholders to gather their input and ensure a comprehensive and considered approach in shaping the proposed amendments.

“The consultation process is a critical step to ensure that the final framework is both practical and legally robust. Once this phase is concluded, the department will proceed with the formal amendment process, which will include the introduction of the proposed legislative changes through the appropriate parliamentary processes,” he added.