An IDLO-backed Rule of Law Centre has opened its doors in the city of Mandalay -- the first of four such Centres, with the remaining three slated for Myitkyina, Taunggyi and Yangon. The project seeks to consolidate the knowledge, skills and values of legal professionals, as well as foster general awareness of the law among the public. The long-term goal is to build greater trust in Myanmar's justice system.
The Centres are supported by Finland, Sweden, the UK and other international development partners, and will be run jointly by IDLO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Each Centre will be guided and overseen by a Local Advisory Board made up of jurists, local representatives and Members of Parliament. The Centres aim to train at least 60 new trainers and 280 lawyers, law teachers and community leaders.They will also host open-access legal resource libraries and organize public events on legal issues of importance to the community.
“Promoting the rule of law is an important part of the transition process in Myanmar. IDLO feels privileged to implement this initiative to provide legal training and promote awareness of rule of law principles," Myanmar Representative Kartik Sharma said at the opening.
IDLO has partnered with Avocats Sans Frontières in building the legal capacity of Myanmar's Rule of Law Centres.