KANDAHAR - More female judges, prosecutors and defence attorneys are needed in Kandahar, said panellists at a televised debate backed by the United Nations.

An audience of more than 80 university students attended the debate, supported by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and asked questions of the panellists, who represented civil society, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and the Department of Women's Affairs (DoWA).

The debate panellists responded to questions and discussed the importance of women seeking access to justice through the formal legal system rather than through the informal systems common in Afghanistan. They also focused on the need for more women working in rule of law institutions.

“A female defence lawyer or a judge better understands the issues faced by women," said Aziz Akrami, spokesperson for AIHRC's office in Kandahar. "It is important to have female judicial staff to follow cases of women, but unfortunately we don’t have female defence lawyers, judges or prosecutors, and their presence is very important.”

Another panellist, Rukia Asakzai., head of DoWA, discussed cases in remote areas where the decisions of community leaders have resulted in one side violating the decision because it doesn’t have binding legal status.

"Ultimately," she said, "such cases are brought to us and we refer them to the official justice system, which is more effective because the parties abide by the decisions or face repercussions."

Formal legal systems are more effective, in particular, when it comes to cases of violence against women, stressed Ms. Asakzai.

The debate participants also discussed the positive impact of female judges, prosecutors and defence lawyers in Kandahar, and improvements in the provision of justice, especially for women.

The debate was televised on Hewad TV & Radio and reached an audience estimated at 400,000 people in Kandahar, as well as many others viewing on satellite television.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.