Speedy justice: Call for employing paralegals services

ISLAMABAD: As the formal legal system can be a long, expensive and difficult process for many, employing the services of paralegals is a more practical alternative.

This was said by participants at a two-day community-based paralegals conference that concluded here on Tuesday.

The conference called for their recognition in communities, governments and the legal system, and urged that paralegal services be considered a core part of development, including the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goal 16 by advancing access to justice.

They also declared that a core goal of the paralegal sector would be to ensure gender equity.

The conference was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN), under the Strengthening Rule of Law Project.

A large number of national and international paralegal practitioners and community representatives exchanged knowledge, shared experiences, mapped challenges, and agreed on a unified way forward.

This is the first time that the role of paralegals, who are trained in the relevant aspects of law but are not full-fledged lawyers, have been acknowledged in providing access to swift and accountable dispute resolution and judicial services within their communities.

At the conference, participants shared their experiences and resources, and learned new tools and methods to enhance their own practice.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2016.