Para-legals exposure to Bulolo Pilot project
SIXTEEN para-legals trained by ICRAF and Wagambie Lawyers through a CJLU initiative have completed a 3-day workshop at the Martin Luther Seminary Lae Morobe Province from March 12-19 recently.
The workshop focused on strengthening information collection and reporting as per the law and justice sector performance Management framework. The workshop addressed the following objectives which were based on a CJLU internal review undertaken in 2006.
- Highlight the importance of data collection as a performance measure on the Impact by CSOs in the delivery of para-legal programs throughout PNG;
- Explore options to strengthen the monthly reporting formats from the para-legals;
- Document lessons learnt and share experiences in trying to work with the Courts in helping clients with the court forms and explore on how best to strengthen the linkage with the courts and also Public Solicitor's; and
- Explore options on how best the Public Solicitor's office at the National level could better link up with the NGOs.
Participants at the workshop included the Director of the Child Welfare Council Ms Isabela Salatiel, Ms Dianah Dademo from Public Solicitor's Office Port Moresby, staff from ICRAF and para-legals trained under CJLU initiative in 2005 from Morobe, West Sepik, Madang, NCD, ENB, Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Mr Isidore Winkuaru from the Port Moresby Family Support Centre in the past has only been providing counselling to victims of domestic violence, but with the CJLU initiative para-legal program, he can now help victims of domestic violence with restraining orders and court forms.
Ms Dorothy Nanai, a NCD welfare officer stated that "the basic legal skills training has empowered her to do court forms for clients, this has been lacking in the past for her." She can no longer refer her clients to ICRAF or Public Solicitor's office, but can deal with them there.
The workshop also formulated a monthly reporting formats from the para-legals based in the Provinces and Districts. They have also opted a way forward on how to work together better in terms of communications and networking including influencing the government law and justice budget process.
During the third day of the workshop the group was exposured to the Joint Public Solicitor's initiative in Bulolo and were pleased with the operations of the initiative. The District Court Magistrate in Bulolo Mr Bingtau spoke to the para-legals and urged them to assist the courts.
Mr Bingtau stated clearly that "they are there to assist the courts to reach a fair and just decision". He further urged them to make sure to speak to the respective magistrates and Police Prosecutors in their provinces and Districts before appearing. According to His Worship Mr Bingtau, Section 59 (e) provides for that provision and provided that the District Court Magistrate is satisfied.
According to the Police Prosecutor First Constable Mr Fred Lelesi, the Public Solicitor's initiative has had impact at the community level, women and children are now able to have access to some form of legal aid such as assistance with Maintenance proceedings, restraining orders, court forms and general legal information. It has also enlightened justice services in Bulolo through other forms of dispute resolutions such as conflict resolution and mediation, counselling etc.
Lady Los from ICRAF thanked Magistrate Bingtau for allowing access to his court, and also for spending time talking to them. She further elaborated that "rural communities in PNG can have access to such services if we can support such initiatives and it can go along way towards helping the women and children".
The Child welfare director Ms Isabel Salatiel has gained a lot of knowledge through this workshop and also the exposure as the Child Welfare Council and the Department of Community development is looking at building the capacity of Welfare officers so that justice services can be offered through the welfare officers. The exposure to the Bulolo pilot is an eye opener on how best some of these services can be delivered using the existing government human resources.
Further information on the training can be obtained from the CJLU office on Phone 323-3098 or email:r_kameata@daltron.com.pg
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