HRCM Inaugurates Seminar on Judges and Lawyers

News | 19 January 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has inaugurated a Seminar on ‘Human Rights in the Administration of Justice’ for Judges and Lawyers today.

The objectives of the seminar is to raise awareness and provide information to lawyers and judges on human rights, as protected under the new constitution and relevant international human rights instruments, the use of human rights principles in judicial reasoning, especially in light of the newly-passed constitutional provision to consider in judicial reasoning, the international human rights instruments applicable to the Maldives, familiarization with types of human rights related cases and also in assuming the strengthened role afforded to the judiciary under the new constitution.

The Guest of Honour at the function was former Attorney General and current Special Advisor to the President Dr. Hassan Saeed.

In his address he stated that a comprehensive constitution by itself cannot ascertain human rights and justice to the people, and that it is the responsibility of the judges and lawyers to ensure the rights afforded by the constitution. He also called upon the judges and lawyers to form a union that would enable them to regulate their work.

Dr. Hassan also stated that the judges and lawyers must work together to protect and uphold the autonomy and authority of the Supreme Court. He also urged the participants to initiate pro bono work in the Maldives.

The seminar will be conducted by Professor Abdul Azeez bari from the International University of Malaysia.

A public lecture titled ‘Human Rights in the Administration of Justice’ has been organized by HRCM at STELCO hall, on 19 January 2009, at 20:20-21:30 hours.