Legal Aid Services Deserves Recognition For great work
The backlog of 3319 family law cases through the Legal Aid Commission and 9967 cases before the courts in the criminal division highlights the importance of the commission’s work. It shows that many people who cannot afford lawyers are able to access free legal aid services.
It also justifies the Government’s investment in taking the services to the people by setting up offices throughout the country. It saves people time and money coming to a central location like Suva.
One of the essential tenets of democracy is the rule of law backed by a justice system.
People who are aggrieved can seek redress in a court of law. It’s this access to the justice system that brings to life a constitutional provision that we have equal rights. It’s our individual rights that we can go to court to rule on an issue in dispute. Our accessing the justice system should not be restricted because we cannot afford a lawyer.
The legal aid removes that hurdle and opens up access to everyone.
More and more people now realise that there are legal and financial implications in many decisions they make and so they need access to legal advice. To those who are still unaware of the range of service provided, here’s a summary:
Provide free legal assistance to those people who are impoverished and unable to afford a private lawyer.
Assistance includes: free advice, free representation in court and other forms of assistance.
Assist persons in family and criminal law related matters.
Assistance in civil law-probate, letters of administration, FNPF withdrawals in the absence of valid nominations, and drafting of Wills, Deed Poll, Powers of Attorney, etc. Duty solicitor scheme Juvenile Representation.
Community awareness programmes
Free Attestation and certification of copies of documents such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, academic transcripts, etc.
The launch of the commission’s Strategic Plan 20192021 by the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is a significant development because it allows for the services’ expansion.
The event marks the first Pacific Legal Aid Conference here at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.
Fiji is the host because it is a leader in the development of legal aid services in the region.
The conference sets the platform for future collaborations, networking, training and development. It could also lead to possible exchange of programmes in areas of mutual interest including access to justice and delivery of legal services.
Access to justice is consistent with human rights as spelt out by Ashwin Raj, director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. The conference has given the legal aid services a major profile lift. It deserves the recognition for the wonderful service it provides for the people.