Online training platform on Human Rights Law for Judges launched

Judges in Jamaica now have an interactive online platform offering resources and self-paced learning opportunities on international human rights law.

The online platform is sponsored by United Nations Jamaica and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in collaboration with the Judicial Education Institute and the Court Management Services. The platform was launched on Thursday (11 April) in Kingston by Chief Justice Hon Justice Bryan Sykes and Senior Human Rights Advisor George Abualzulof representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Jamaica.

The Chief Justice noted that “the online training platform on international human rights provides the opportunity to be aware of current and new ways of thinking about human rights and how it applies in different circumstances. It also gives us the opportunity to be aware of what is happening in other parts of the world on this very important issue”.

The UN’s Senior Human Rights Advisor described the online platform as “marking a milestone in the development of professional training capacity in the administration of justice,” noting that the UN system in Jamaica started its support to international human rights law dissemination in 2015 with a training seminar for parish court judges.

He said the UN is committed to continue to support the process led by the Judicial Education Institute to establish the online training and reaffirmed UN Jamaica’s availability to work and contribute collectively to the government of Jamaica-led justice reform.

“It is hoped that these materials enable capacity development over the shortest possible term in the performance and effectiveness of the judicial work, modernizing procedures and broadening the perspective of administering justice,” the Senior Human Rights Advisor said.

Mr Abualzulof said this latest offering is seen by the UN system as important as justice furthers the establishment of security, development, democracy, good governance, rule of law and human rights.

The online training platform offers modular training with an emphasis on International Human Rights; Human Rights of persons deprived of liberty; Rights to a fair trial; and international human rights law. Judges learn at their own pace in a collegial environment where peers can learn while holding discussions on human rights law and standards.