SAFHR trains paralegal volunteers to empower the needy in Jaintia Hills region

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 24, 2024

A transformative training programme to establish a network of paralegal volunteers was organised by Social Action for Human Rights (SAFHR) in collaboration with Manos Unidas, Spain, and the Labour and Migrant Commission, Jowai Diocese. Held at the Samanlang Socio-Cultural Pastoral Center from November 21 to 24, 2024, the initiative equipped participants with essential knowledge of legal rights, welfare schemes, and advocacy skills to support the poor, needy, and uninformed.

Fifty-one trainees from the West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts participated in the programme, including social workers, village elders, and students. They were trained to serve as paralegal volunteers, using their skills to empower their local communities. This initiative marks a step towards empowering populations under the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council by enabling them to navigate complex legal frameworks and access welfare schemes.

The formal inauguration of the programme was held on November 22, attended by dignitaries, community leaders, and guests. The Chief Guest, Ferdinand B. Basan, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, and the Guest of Honour, Most Rev. Ferdinand Dkhar, Bishop of the Diocese of Jowai, graced the occasion.

In his remarks, Ferdinand B. Basan emphasized the role of government welfare schemes in uplifting marginalized communities and urged collaborative efforts to ensure equitable resource distribution. Most Rev. Ferdinand Dkhar highlighted the importance of legal literacy, especially for youth and laypeople, to foster empowerment and social justice.

Sr. Shobha KP, Advocate and Director of SAFHR, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the transformative potential of legal education in promoting transparency and social change.

The training sessions spanned topics such as law fundamentals, welfare schemes, human rights, and legal aid systems. Advocate Rimaya Manar, Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel for East Jaintia Hills, conducted sessions on child protection laws, including the POCSO Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and human rights. Advocate Jimmy Pdang provided an overview of the Indian Criminal Justice System and child rights, while Advocate Wailad Siangshai discussed free legal aid and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

Sr. Shobha KP offered insights into the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the RTI Act. Abinash Narzary, an advocate from Assam, covered laws, paralegal practices, advocacy skills, and MGNREGA. Wandajop D. Sympli and FL Iawbor, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels, addressed labour laws, local governance systems, and social security welfare schemes.