Government lawyers urged to fight impunity in communities

Lawyers attached to what is commonly known as Maison d’Accès à la Justice (MAJ), have been challenged to fight impunity in the communities where they are based by promoting rule of law. This was said by the Minister of Justice, Johnston Busingye, while speaking to MAJ lawyers in Musanze District on Wednesday. The lawyers are stationed at districts and are tasked with providing legal assistance to indigent Rwandans, especially those in rural areas. Over 90 MAJ lawyers on Wednesday began a three-day training aimed at discussing their responsibilities and how best they can discharge their duties. Minister Busingye challenged them to use the legal skills they will acquire at the training to solve problems in the community. He said access to justice for Rwandans originates from history where traditional justice was applied to resolve conflicts among communities. “You have to understand the cost of conflicts. Conflicts are expensive whether solved or not. You should help minimise conflicts in society,” Busingye said. “You are at the frontline of conflict resolution at the local level where you represent the Ministry of justice. Never allow conflicts to persist,” he added. He cautioned them that in their dealings with people, they will meet who will try to intimidate them and urged them to do their job professionally. “You will experience situations involving conflict of interest but you should remain strong. You are the ones to hold people accountable and you should not be compromised,” he said. “You are not judges or prosecutors but skilled lawyers. Offer legal assistance to local communities. The cost of justice keeps rising, help people solve conflicts through negotiations without going through litigation,” he said. MAJ lawyers had previously been on contracts dealing with community conflicts at district level but since April, they became permanent civil servants, with three lawyers stationed at every district. The lawyers expressed optimism and commitment to deliver better services with professionalism and integrity. Emmanuel Habimana, a lawyer from Ruhango District said he was ready to work with his colleagues to offer legal advice to residents. “We will make sure residents understand the importance of resolving conflicts among themselves,” Habimana said. MAJ lawyers signed performance contracts and pledged to work hard to achieve the agreed targets before the year ends.

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Government lawyers urged to fight impunity in communities