Mr. Eric Bartz, Specialist on Foreign Affairs of the (USAID) Justice Project in Afghanistan, called on His Excellency Sayed Mohammad Hashimi, the Deputy Minister of Justice of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and discussed issues of mutual interest.

In this meeting, the two sides discussed in detail over the  evaluation of laws, development of a strategic document, assessment of training requirements, case managements, informal judgments and filing systems etc.

His Excellency the Deputy Minister thoroughly elucidated the issues and both sides reached agreement on the assessment of training requirements and the development of a strategic document/paper. On the case management and the filing system; it was agreed to essentially carry on the work in accordance with the prevailing procedures.

But in relation to the informal justice, it was said that since the draft law about the dispute resolving jirga on civil issues, had been dispatched for approval to the cabinet and prior to the ratification/endorsement of the said law by the cabinet, the registering of the decisions made by the informal mediators may create legal problems.

His Excellency, the Deputy Minister also pointed out that prior to the commence and executing of any work/project, it was necessary to identify a basis for cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the Justice Project, and in order to single out the responsibilities of both sides, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is signed.

He further said: “I hope that the work on construction and furnishing of the legal institutions in center, and particularly in the provinces, would be accomplished. Also, in facilitating the opportunities for upgrading the capabilities/skills of the department, trainings and capacity building for this ministry and facilitating the opportunities of legal trainings for the staff members of the legal institutions of the provinces, effective measures are taken.”

In this meeting, for the purpose of providing effective legal awareness at a broad level, both sides discussed on establishing a radio station for the Ministry of Justice and consequently, both sides expressed hope that they would draw the attentions of the concerned authorities to the issue.

The Justice Project in Afghanistan is supported through enormous financial aid by the USAID for another 5 years.