UN agencies, judicial academy to collaborate

Infrastructure, admin, training included in deal.

The Federal Judicial Academy (FJA) and a wing of the United Nations (UN) joined hands to enhance cooperation between the two organisations and improve judicial education and administration, according to a press release issued by the FJA on Monday.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Supreme Court Judge Nasirul Mulk, UNDP Country Director Jean Luc Stalon and United Nations Office for Project Services Country Director Mikko Lainejoki.

The MoU will help improve the quality of judicial education and also the efficiency of the administration of justice, remarked Justice Mulk.

“This MoU provides a broad framework for ongoing interaction on issues such as infrastructure, professional growth and development, and research excellence for the legal empowerment of the poor,” the judge said.

The judge also shed light on the role of the Supreme Court Human Rights Cell and how it is structured to facilitate easy and speedy dispensation of justice for complainants.

Describing legal empowerment of the poor as the “cornerstone of the UN mission”, Stalon said, “Legal empowerment lies at the nexus of law and development and is an essential for attaining key outcomes of strengthening rule of law and access to justice.

He said the MoU would formally shape the partnership in the areas of policy engagement, infrastructure, capacity building and advocacy.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2012.