KANDAHAR – Enhancing the delivery of justice through strengthened coordination among judicial institutions and law enforcement agencies was the focus of the latest UNAMA-backed forum, which brought together officials in southern Uruzgan province.

Organized by UNAMA’s southern field office, the forum took place in Tirin Kot -- the provincial capital -- and was attended by judges, prosecutors, police officers, prison officials, intelligence officers and representatives from the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission.

Participants discussed ways to enhance coordination to deliver prompt, effective and impartial justice, and worked on a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each of the respective justice-related institutions.

Police, prosecutors, defense lawyers and court and prison staff discussed their respective roles in the criminal justice process to avoid overlap and enhance efficiency.

“Such forums provide us an opportunity to discuss the challenges and problems we are facing and improve coordination among institutions,” said Maulawi Mohammad Jan, an appellate court judge, speaking at the event.

UNAMA has organized similar events in Kandahar, and is planning additional events in other provinces around Afghanistan’s southern region.

UNAMA is mandated to support Afghan institutions and civil society groups to enhance their contributions in disseminating messages including on human rights, women’s rights, youth issues, rule of law, development, and peace and reconciliation.