UNDP
PRESS RELEASE
Dili/ 08 July 2005

Training For Judicial Clerks Continues Justice Sector Development

Strengthening the Justice sector and reducing the reliance on international assistance in the judicial area has been identified as a top priority in Timor-Leste. A four-month training course aimed at developing the capacity
of court and prosecution clerks will officially begin at the Judicial Training Centre on Monday, 11th July 2005.

The course, supported by the United Nations Development Programme 'Strengthening the Justice System in Timor-Leste' Programme is comprised of general disciplines such as professional ethics, the public service act,
formulation and management of procedural acts (notifications, declarations etc) and the draft statute of the court clerks. Modules will also concentrate on specific disciplines such as civil executory and declarative process and penal procedure. Standardized forms for case management will be introduced. Portuguese language training classes also form part of the training.

A total of 30 trainees will attend the course, including court clerks, court administrators and clerks from the Prosecution Office from all districts. Training will be conducted by modules and delivered in two groups, morning and afternoon, so the services in the courts are not affected.

The 4-month training course will be conducted in two modules, the first lasting until September. The second phase will begin in October, following an evaluation. Classes will take place in the Judicial Training Centre and
at the Baucau District Court. The training will be delivered by international court clerks from UNDP and UNOTIL.

The course will be officially opened by the Ministry of Justice and Chief Justice next Monday, 11 of July at 10am at the Judicial Training Centre.

The UNDP Strengthening the Justice System in Timor-Leste Programme is supported by contributions from Norway, Australia, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium and Denmark