MyJustice Team Leader Caitlin Reiger and Access to Justice Advisor Susan Lee joined other stakeholders for a consultation workshop on legal aid at the Union Hluttaw in Naypyidaw from November 28 to 30, 2016.
Members of Parliament and participating experts discussed experiences in legal aid provision around the region as well as lessons learned from South Africa’s experience. Although the Legal Aid Law was enacted in January 2016, implementing regulations are still needed and the Union Legal Aid Board has not yet been formed. A series of proposed amendments are being considered by the Hluttaw, and include a proposal to add more private lawyers to the Union Legal Aid Board.
The discussions allowed members of parliament to discuss the implications of the law directly with representatives of the Myanmar Legal Aid Network (MLAW) and the Yangon and Mawlamyaing Justice Centres.
Key issues discussed included the importance of ensuring a clear system and budget for delivering high quality legal aid to those most in need, and testing out the law’s application before applying it nation-wide.
The workshops were organised in conjunction with SEALAW, Pyoe Pin and MyJustice.