$14.98m project to ensure justice at grassroots level
The government of Bangladesh and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday signed an agreement to implement a new technical assistance project in the country aiming to strengthen the justice system at the grass-roots level through village courts, says a UNDP release.
The 'Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh' project, jointly funded by the government, European Commission (EC) and UNDP, will improve access to justice for disadvantaged and marginalised groups as well as to promote and protect human rights.
It will strengthen the village court system primarily in 500 selected union parishads across the country which will enable people at the grass-roots level to seek legal remedies in a transparent and affordable manner for matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the courts.
Improved access to justice mechanisms at the local level will have particular impact on the empowerment of women, poor and disadvantaged groups. The project will also strengthen the local government bodies making them more responsive to local needs.
The total value of the project amounts to approximately $14.98 million (approximately Tk 103 crore) with $.073 million (approximately Tk 50 lakh) contributed by the government, $13.62 million (approximately Tk 93.4 crore) by EC and $1.3 million (approximately Tk 8.9 crore) by UNDP.
Resident Representative of UNDP Robert Juhkam said: “I believe that this project will significantly help poor people at the grass-roots level obtain fair and easily accessible justice. It will contribute to the peaceful resolution of disputes between parties leading to local development and improvements in people's daily lives.”
“The commitment of the government of Bangladesh and the strong support of the EC are clearly evidenced by this initiative, and our joint efforts will ultimately translate into improved capabilities of union parishads, legal practitioners and citizens to claim and deliver justice in a timely manner.”
Acting Head of the EC Delegation Charles Whiteley said: “I am delighted that the EC is joining forces with the UNDP and the government of Bangladesh to ensure that citizens gain access to swift, effective and fair justice at the village level. It is vital that those from disadvantaged groups are afforded proper access to the courts.”
Comments