UNHCR Trains Judges and Magistrates in Alternative Dispute Resolution
UNHCR Trains Judges and Magistrates in Alternative Dispute Resolution
37 High court judges, magistrates, and judicial officers from Yobe State Nigeria in training on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Northeast Nigeria's judicial system is poised for improvement as 37 high court judges, magistrates, and judicial officers from Yobe State recently completed a five-day training on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Organized by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), this initiative seeks to enhance the region's capacity to resolve disputes more effectively. It aims to promote a justice system that prioritizes communication, mutual understanding, and peaceful conflict resolution, helping to transform the way disputes are addressed.
Participants were trained in negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and the Islamic Sulhu dispute settlement system, equipping them with skills beyond traditional adversarial litigation. They learned to promote discussions, handle disagreements, and guide contending parties toward mutually beneficial solutions.
Mr. Nicolas Kaburaburyo, UNHCR Head of Sub Office in Maiduguri, emphasized the importance of the training: “The training highlights UNHCR’s dedication to upholding the human rights of forcibly displaced people, especially their right to access justice. For us to do this, we remain indebted to our donors, including the International Displacement Solutions Fund and European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), for providing the financial support.”
Barrister Hannatu Farouk Jauro, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Justice and Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Yobe State Chapter, shared her experience: “It was my first time attending a training of this kind, and it was very educational and impactful for me. By adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution practices, the courts can reduce the backlog of cases, which often leads to prolonged legal battles, technicalities, and dissatisfaction among the populace.”
Alhaji Baba Wali, Secretary to the Yobe State Government, described the training as a milestone and a testament to a shared commitment. Representing the State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Baba highlighted that UNHCR’s contributions complement the government’s efforts to provide durable solutions for internally displaced persons, thereby facilitating easier access to justice.
ADR offers a faster, less expensive, and less formal method of resolving social and economic issues, particularly benefiting forcibly displaced people and other underprivileged individuals who may find litigation intimidating or inaccessible.
Dr. Goje Mohammed, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), echoed this sentiment, noting that the State Action Plan on Solutions is the result of extensive consultations and collaborative efforts among various agencies and affected communities.
Building on the success of the Damaturu training, this program will be replicated in Adamawa and Borno states. The initiative is set to encourage a shift towards non-adversarial dispute resolution across Nigeria, fostering a more fair and equitable justice system.
Participants called on the Yobe State administration to introduce a multi-door court system, offering citizens alternative ways to resolve conflicts. They also encouraged UNHCR to extend ADR training to more judges, civil society members, and traditional and religious leaders. Yobe State’s Chief Judge, Justice Gumna Kashim Kaigama, expressed his dedication to formalizing ADR in the state through the creation of frameworks and supporting legislation. “We are researching the ADR practices of other states. We’re going to have a model shortly that works for Yobe State,” Chief Judge Gumna stated.