A one day capacity building activity for Lawyers, was conducted under IPLAAR project at Swabi on 19th July, 2018 with the aim to build capacity of lawyers on the subject of Refugee rights and protection. The participants (Total: 35, 28 Male and 07 Female) included Junior and senior lawyers and members of District Bar Association (Swabi).
The session started with registration of participants. Holy Quran was recited by Mr. Ibrar ullah Qureshi Advocate. An ice breaking session was conducted to bring participants on same page and in line with the norms of training.
Ms. Memoona Batool (Project Director, SHARP KP) presented the welcome note that marked the formal start of training. She also presented about SHARP-Pakistan, its role, services, projects, mate and areas of operation.
Mr. Nadeem Fareed, delivered a presentation on Human Rights, Refugee Rights and Refugee protection. The session included interactive exercises of brain storming, experience sharing and discussion session, combined with sharing of resource material.
Mr. Muhammad Rafiq (Field Manager, SHARP Mardan) gave a presentation of International Protection. He explained the international laws of protection applicable to refugees and their rights and obligations as set forth in the Refugee convention 1951 and its 1967 protocol.
The last session was delivered by Mr. Akif Israr (Lawyer, SHARP Mardan). He stated that due to limited resources, the Govt. of Pakistan and UNHCR are unable to issue new POR cards every year to refugees. Therefore Ministry of SAFRON issues extension notification that legalizes the extension of stay of refugee in Pakistan.
Chief Guest Mr. Malik Danyal Khan President of District Bar association, Swabi and Guest of honor Mr. Fahim Akbar paid gratitude to SHARP-Pakistan team for conducting this training. He also hoped to have similar capacity building initiatives in future.
At the end, Mr. Mudassir Javed (Director SHARP-Pakistan) thanked the honorable guests for their presence and facilitation. He also appreciated the keen interest of the participants.
Certificates were distributed among the participants and shields were awarded to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor.