AMMAN -- Fifty-nine newly appointed judges, including 31 women, will receive training on the profession's code of ethics, human rights and approaches for handling gender-sensitive cases under a new project implemented by the Arab Women's Legal Network (AWLN).
As part of the programme, funded by USAID and the American Bar Association (ABA) in Jordan, the judges will also be acquainted with international conventions related to human rights and their application.
During a ceremony to announce the project on Tuesday, attended by HRH Princess Basma, AWLN President Mashael Al Hajeri said the network strives to improve the capabilities of Arab women working in the legal profession and increase their knowledge, in addition to developing cooperation between women working in the sector.
Titled, "Enhancing Judicial Capacities for Judges and New Female Judges Through Awareness Sessions", the project also focuses on issues of concern in today's world, such as cybercrimes and human trafficking.
"AWLN has managed through the years to build partnerships between men and women in judicial professions, in addition to empowering women and ensuring their genuine participation in building society," said Judge Ihsan Barakat, former president of the network.
Barakat added that more than 800 Arabs affiliated with the judicial sector have benefited from AWLN's 20 specialised projects.
Noting that there are 146 female judges in Jordan, she called for more work to improve women's status in the Arab world.
USAID Mission Director Beth Paige underlined the importance of the training, saying that justice and equality are "cornerstones to a vibrant democracy that safeguard human dignity and foster prosperity in any society".
"As the issue of gender equality demonstrates, the law is a dynamic field that is constantly adapting to an ever-changing environment. Therefore, I urge all of you to constantly seek information and guidance beyond your education and your training such as the opportunity that this course provides," she said, addressing the judges.
For her part, ABA Director Maha Shomali said the protection of the rights of individuals is the "fundamental" task of every judge and lawyer.
"Human rights concepts of equality and fairness are interdisciplinary and should be the foundation of every courtroom debate and decision. This is justice," Shomali added.
During the ceremony, attended by Judicial Council President Hisham Tal, Princess Basma honoured supporters of the network, which was established in 2005.
Susan Salem, one of the female judges who will take part in the training, told The Jordan Times that women in the judiciary do not face many challenges because they are women, but because of the responsibility associated with their position.
"I feel the same pressure my male peers feel when it is their duty to realise justice."
© Jordan Times 2012
