Gov’t Welcomes JFJ-EU J$52m Human Rights Project

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, has welcomed the launch of the Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) three-year project, focused on promoting and safeguarding human rights in Jamaica through education, advocacy and legal support services.

Funded by the European Union (EU), the J$52- million project aims to empower Jamaicans and heighten awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

It will also facilitate continued advocacy and public education on the constitutional reform process and ensure that recommendations for increased access to justice, improved human rights standards and safeguards are voiced.

Addressing Monday’s (April 29) launch at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Mrs. Malahoo Forte commended JFJ on the initiative and the EU for its funding.

“One of the biggest concerns that we have spoken about repeatedly within the CRC (Constitutional Reform Committee) process is the need for greater public education, and we have seen just how much more difficult the work has been because of the knowledge gap in the society. I am especially pleased to hear about the proposed school and community training sessions to come,” Minister Malahoo Forte said.

In her remarks, European Union Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Marianne Van Steen, pointed out that the project places an important emphasis on awareness.

“Advocacy for human rights by civil society is not a luxury, it is a necessary. The voice of civil society is the voice of the people on a continuous basis,” she said.

Ambassador Van Steen said the EU is pleased to support the work of JFJ, adding that their undertaking will undoubtedly contribute to making Jamaica a more rights-based and inclusive society.

For her part, JFJ Executive Director, Mickel Jackson, thanked the EU for the funding support provided.

“Without this type of funding, we would not be here today to launch the good work that you’re about to hear a little bit more on. The purpose of this grant is for us to get excited about human rights. I wish for a Jamaica where our children can say I have the constitutional right to this; I have the right to that,” Ms. Jackson shared.

Among the activities that will be undertaken are a speakers’ bureau training series with 20 youth to strengthen their self-representation skills and youth advocacy on human rights issues; at least 40 community interventions, and mobile legal clinics across high-risk communities, targeting 10,000 citizens and unattached youth who have experienced rights violations.

JFJ will also lead social justice and life skills sessions among 2,500 high-risk students at primary and secondary schools and train at least 20 informal community leaders as justice advocates in social justice and restorative justice practices, for improved conciliation and mediation.