Webinar held on ‘Access to Justice during Covid-19’

South Asian Lawyer’s Forum (SALF) organized the Webinar ‘Access to Justice during Covid-19: Asian Perspective’ on October 17.

Speakers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand with the idea and purpose of sharing the views and practice of respective judiciaries in providing access to justice during Covid’19, joined the program.

The webinar was kicked off by the keynote address of Abdullah Al Noman, Advocate, Bangladesh Supreme Court. He focused the reflection of commitment under the constitution of Bangladesh in ensuring access to justice.

Lecturer Thitirat Thipsamritkul, of Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, Thailand shared the Access to justice During COVID 19 Pandemic: Thai Experience. She raised challenges regarding enjoyment of the right to freedom of movement and freedom of speech during COVID19.

Dev Mahat, Human Rights Activist and Advocate at Nepalese Court pointed out the Access to justice During COVID 19 Pandemic: Nepalese Experience. He discussed the access to justice in respect of the right to life & personal liberty during COVID’19.

Sabnam Sultana, Advocate, Calcutta High Court, India discussed the Access to justice During COVID 19 Pandemic: Indian Experience. She raised challenges regarding the enjoyment of the right to freedom of movement and freedom of speech during COVID19.

Ruchira Gunasekera, Attorney at Law, Vice President, Sri Lankan Women Lawyers' Association shared the experience of Sri Lankan judiciary in the present crisis regarding enjoyment of the right to freedom of movement and freedom of speech.

Justice Naima Haider, Honorable Judge, High Court Division, Supreme Court of Bangladesh discussed the Judiciary’s Experience of Bangladesh regarding access to justice during COVID 19 Pandemic. She points out the inauguration of virtual court proceedings in Bangladesh and the challenges of such proceedings.

A F Hassan Ariff, Former Attorney General For Bangladesh shared about the challenges regarding protection in respect of trial & punishment during COVID 19 Pandemic.

Advocate Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed, President & Deputy Attorney General Mr. Sk Shaifuzzaman, Secretary of SALF has designed and moderated the event. Salahuddin concluded that ideas shared in the event should be carried forward so that the Asian region moves on a similar line of combating challenges with respect to Access to justice During Pandemic. Lawyers and researchers from different countries joined in Facebook live and enriched the event by posting fruitful comments.