2nd Legal Aid Justice Fair for Persons with Disabilities | 21 June 2024, 10:00 am | Emancipation Park, Kingston

Salutations

•    Minister of Justice, The Hon. Delroy Chuck;
•    Custos Rotulorum of St Andrew, Hon. Mr Ian Forbes, CD, JP
•    Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Grace Ann Stewart McFarlane;
•    Executive Director, Legal Aid Council, Mrs. Dian Watson;
•    Representative, Ministry of Labour and Social Security
•    Bishop Gavin Campbell, Church of God Deliverance Centre Ministries
•    Members from the Community of Persons with Disabilities;
•    Other specially invited guests;
•    Members of the media
•    Distinguished guests

A pleasant good morning.

UNDP is delighted to support the delivery of critical legal information and services to persons with disabilities across Jamaica, bolstered by today’s staging of the second Legal Aid Fair.

Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law”.  

This principle was pivotal in advancing efforts under the Social Justice project which is being co implemented by the Ministry of Justice and UNDP, with the kind support of Global Affairs Canada, in hosting this fair, geared at ensuring that no one is left behind by the justice system and that everyone has access to legal services, legal recourse, and protection.

Vulnerable populations and those affected by discrimination are more likely to be unaware of their rights. Many persons with disabilities face disproportionate challenges in securing services because of physical and intellectual barriers, discriminatory practices, stereotypes and inadequate information. Recognizing this, these fairs represent critical components of a comprehensive approach aimed at dismantling inequities which limit access to justice services.

Access to legal aid is central to ensuring access to justice, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable. It is, an essential aspect of a fair, humane, and efficient criminal justice system, based on the rule of law.

By taking relevant services and experts to all communities including remote and underserved communities, we help close the gaps and boldly state that access to justice is a basic human right.  

The data tells us, that up to 15% of the Jamaican population lives with disabilities. Therefore, we must be resolute in creating a justice system that is easily accessible by all.

Persons with disabilities voices must not only be heard, but, must also be included and reflected in policies, programmes and services, spaces retrofitted to include them, services provided ,and service providers, adequately trained to understand and respond to their needs . This, will be our benchmark of success, one that reiterates and reinforces the theme for today :  Justice Without Barriers: Equal Access, Equal Opportunities.

UNDP’s multi country programme 2022 to 2026 champions the rights of underserved groups, anchored on the universal principle of leaving no one behind.  We, are therefore pleased to support this outreach series and reiterate our commitment to supporting inclusive development.

On behalf of UNDP’s Resident Representative Kishan Khoday, I congratulate the Ministry of Justice, its Legal Aid Department and the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities for this groundbreaking series and for the dedication towards dismantling the barriers that limit access to justice by underserved populations

He has also asked me to convey UNDP’s sincere gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for its financial support and for the continued partnership on justice reform which has redounded to the benefit of Jamaica’s justice system.      

I encourage all Persons with Disabilities to be bold and fearless in seeking the services, information and support that you need. And, I urge all service providers to join UNDP today in reaffirming our commitment to meaningfully advancing efforts directed at removing the barriers that inhibit the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Jamaica. This way, and only this way, do we advance efforts to ensure that no one will be left behind.

I Thank you.