LocationsHer Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the President of the Bar Council of Bhutan, graced the opening of the three-day meeting that aims to bolster the Bar Council’s role in promoting people-centric justice.
Bar Council of Bhutan's first Annual General Meeting focuses on enhancing access to justice for all
April 10, 2024
Participants of the first Annual General Meeting of the Bar Council of Bhutan with Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck. Her Royal Highness is the President of the Bar Council of Bhutan
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
Paro, 10 May 2023: Almost eight years after its establishment, the Bar Council of Bhutan convened its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the theme "Enhancing Access to Justice for All."
The landmark meeting in Paro, organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will serve as a platform for learning, dialogue and collaboration aimed at collectively enhancing access to justice for all, particularly the vulnerable populations, including vulnerable women and persons with disabilities.
Some 50 private lawyers from across the country are taking part in the AGM.
In her Keynote Address, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the President of the Bar Council of Bhutan, said the AGM will be a platform to share experiences and ideas, hold constructive dialogues on pertinent issues, and plan a roadmap to navigate current and future challenges.
Her Royal Highness awarded Certificates of Recognition to UNDP for valuable contributions and dedicated efforts towards the establishment of the Bar Council of Bhutan, and to Rinzin Penjore, Vice President of Bar Council of Bhutan and its members, Tashi Delek and Sonam Yangden, for their role in promoting justice, equality and the rule of law.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Khurshid Alam receives Certificate of Recognition for UNDP from Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, President of the Bar Council of Bhutan.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
With a focus on people-centered justice, the three-day meeting will, among others, explore the pivotal role that private lawyers play in safeguarding rights and access to justice for citizens, including through pro bono legal aid services.
The meeting will also sensitize lawyers on international frameworks with an emphasis on enhancing access to justice for women, persons with disabilities and children through the Conventions on Rights of the Child, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
"As we come together for the AGM, we are reminded of the crucial role each of us plays in ensuring that access to justice transcends being a mere privilege to becoming a fundamental right for all, especially for the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society,” said Rinzin Penjore, Vice President of the Bar Council of Bhutan.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Khurshid Alam said adopting a people-centered approach to the justice system ensures that all citizens, including marginalised groups, have equal access to justice and are empowered to participate in the legal processes. “Furthermore, it is important to envisage the future of justice and human rights by embracing innovation and progressive strategies. We can work towards a more just and equitable society by taking a collaborative approach and empowering stakeholders through education.”
The longstanding partnership between the Bar Council of Bhutan and UNDP continues to focus on enhancing legal empowerment, promoting legal awareness and fostering a more inclusive justice system.
The outcomes of the AGM will inform future initiatives and policies aimed at creating a more just and equitable society in Bhutan and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Access to justice is at the heart of the 2023 Agenda as sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved without justice. Accordingly, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) calls for promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.
About Bar Council of Bhutan
The Bar Council of Bhutan was constituted in 2017 as per the Jabmi Amendment Act 2016, with Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck as the President. The Bar Council functions independently and monitors the lawyers practicing in the market. They assist the courts in expediting cases to ensure just, fair and prompt dispensation of justice.
About UNDP Bhutan
UNDP Bhutan has been working with the Royal Government and people of Bhutan since 1973 to accelerate the country’s development results through innovation, digitalisation, development financing, partnerships, cutting-edge global knowledge and technical expertise. One of three primary focuses is Governance, Inclusion and Engagement, which aims to strengthen inclusive, democratic governance, end gender-based violence, increase civic engagement, and support youth-led social innovation and entrepreneurship. Website
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Chhime Y. Dorji, Registrar, Bar Council of Bhutan, Phone No: +97517341801, Email: chhimeydorji@gmail.com
Ms. Tashi Choden, Programme Specialist, Access to Justice, UNDP Bhutan, Email: tashi.choden@undp.org
Mr. Karma Jamtsho, Programme Communications and Advocacy Analyst, UNDP Bhutan, Email: karma.jamtsho1@undp.org
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