“States Parties shall ensure effective access to justice for persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others, including through the provision of procedural and age-appropriate accommodations, in order to facilitate their effective role as direct and indirect participants, including as witnesses, in all legal proceedings, including at investigative and other preliminary stages.”
(“Access to Justice,” Article 13 of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)
This week, based on Article 13, we are launching the first in-depth training course for paralegals and attorneys working in the field of disabilities at the Ministry of Justice. The course is sponsored by Joint Israel Unlimited, the Ministry of Justice and Israel Elwyn.
The aim of the program is to impart professional expertise and knowledge of people with disabilities and how they are protected by the judiciary. The course will help improve efficiency among the various departments of the Justice Ministry by creating a common strategy.
“We initiated this unique program in collaboration with Joint Israel Unlimited out of a sense of mission to make legal services accessible within the justice system,” said Idan Ilan, Director of the Projects Department at the Ministry of Justice. “The course will help people with disabilities benefit from their rights by improving the quality of representation available to them.”
“We are happy to be leading partners in making the right to justice accessible to people with disabilities,” added Efrat Stern, Director General of Joint Israel Unlimited.
Dr. Michal Wilf of Israel Elwyn said the training is vital because it facilitates access to legal counsel. “We believe that this is another step on the path to equal participation in society, while preserving the rights and dignity of every person.”
We wish all the participants success!
