Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 04, 2014 News
By Zena Henry
The Honourable Madame Justice Claire L’Heureux-Dubé (retired) was enthusiastic about answering questions on the issue of women/ family rights and access to justice following an in-depth presentation on injustice at the High Court Conference room yesterday.
She is a special guest here for a two-day colloquium between judges from Canada, United Kingdom, Caribbean Court of Justice and local judges which will commence today at the Cara Lodge Suites. The Quebec-born Justice L’Heureux-Dubé served in the Canadian Supreme Court for some 15 years and is well known for contributions made in the legal
system there.
She spoke extensively on the issue of equality, inequality, rights and the deliverance of justice before tackling numerous legally charged questions concerning difficulties faced locally. Madame L’Heureux-Dubé stressed that equality is the foundation of all rights and should be recognized in the delivery of justice.
She spoke of the early days of jurisprudence, in relation to equality and inequality, to its evolution today and the various social studies on the principle and meaning of these matters.
While the esteemed Justice had spoken extensively on some characteristics and values that underline equality and shape jurisprudence in human rights, several of the attendees questioned the apprehension of justice over inequality with the numerous challenges that are faced locally.
Women’s rights activist Karen de Souza pointed out that the pursuit of equality and justice is expensive and questioned therefore, how the poor would be able to access this justice. The retired Judge related that in her country there was a House of Justice; 45 volunteer judges who aided the less fortunate by offering legal advice and “proximity justice” was another measure put in place where a lawyer in a specific area, could offer free legal advice. She also mentioned that an ombudsman could also offer legal help and advice, as she had done during her tenure in her homeland, adding that lawyers could be compassionate and ask persons to pay what they can afford.
European Union Ambassador Robert Kopecký, before highlighting diplomatic partnership, support and other ties to local organizations directed a question to Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh on how Guyanese can use their rights to demand Local Government Elections.
“If I am a Guyanese what can I do in practical terms to claim this right, which is undoubtedly enshrined in the Constitution?”
Justice Singh however respectfully declined to answer the question stating that it was “raising acute political overtones.”
A question came from members of a new NGO; Citizens against Rape (CAR) concerning the matter of a government minister “pointing fingers” at an opposition member during a presentation by another parliamentarian on rape. It was questioned what the orgainsation could do to educate the public against such actions. The retired Judge said “be loud” and make people aware of the problem while pointing at politicians for assistance in this area.
A male contributor pointed out that while the law permits a Human Rights Commission, justice and equality cannot meaningfully be gained, since the Commission is not in existence. He questioned local officials at the head table as to when the Commission would be convened; but no one could say. Executive Director of the Justice Institute Melinda Janki charged however that this matter, like Local Government Elections, is something that the people should demand.
Another question asked by social activist Vanda Radzik was on public knowledge of the law. She said that the average person does not know their rights and questioned how Canada and other international countries deal with the issue. Justice L’Heureux-Dubé pointed out that public knowledge of law is the work of the government and NGOs. She said that public knowledge of rights should be vigorously pursued by government and rights groups and justice bodies.
Today’s event will see the Judges looking at rights, equality and non-discrimination, and comparing jurisprudence while exchanging ideas. The programme is sponsored by the EU and hosted by the Justice Institute and the Equal Rights Trust from England.
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