MoU signed to acquaint judges with human rights

The aim of training judges is to ensure that they are aware of legislation that protects rights

KARACHI: The Federal Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) and Sindh Judicial Academy (SJA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to acquaint judges on human rights laws.

The MoU aims at training judges in laws pertaining to human rights and import awareness of the national and international human rights framework. The signing ceremony was held in SJA in Karachi, where the MoHR Secretary Rabiya Javeri signed on behalf of her ministry while the Academy's Director-General, Justice Arif Hussain Khilji represented the SJA.

SJA has been engaged in the training and education of judges in the province of Sindh. The collaboration between MoHR's and SJA will add to the performance of the judicial officers to enable them deliver more nuanced judgments within the context of Human Rights.

Speaking at the occasion, Javeri gave an overview of the importance of adhering to human rights standards and obligations as enshrined in the Constitution and various international instruments. The secretary said, "The aim of training judges is to ensure that they are aware of national legislation that protects the rights of the vulnerable while maintaining the rights of the accused. However, knowledge of national legislation is not enough, it is imperative for the judiciary to be made aware of the international instruments that Pakistan has ratified."

"As a result of this training, judges will be able to deliver more nuanced judgments utilising international human rights instruments in their framework and the language they employ. This not only ensures that access to justice seems possible but that approaching courts becomes less daunting for the victims. The crux of an independent judiciary is the provision of fair justice when the rights of both parties are protected and this can be made possible when the judges are trained on a Human Rights Based Approach", Javeri added.

Justice Khilji, while speaking on the occasion said, "Both the MoHR and SJA have been desirous of developing a training programme. Our partnership will ensure practical engagement with the judges through use of proven techniques for improved performance of the actual duties of the judges as derived from the recommendations of human rights experts."

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2019.