Shahzad Rasheed
Blue Veins and the EVAW/G Alliance Khyber Chapter called on the Police Department to establish Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs) in the Khyber District, under the provision of the Police Act of 2017.
During the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Project ” Promoting Rule of Law, Legal Literacy and Women’s Access to Justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” implemented by Blue Veins with the support of UN Women and Aurat Foundation under KP Rule of Law Program, the participants emphasized the urgent need for alternative, easily accessible systems of dispute resolution that could provide critical relief for women in Khyber district, who often struggle with limited mobility and barriers to formal justice channels.
“The establishment of DRCs is a significant move towards empowering our women and facilitating their access to dispute resolutions,” said Amna Afridi, Chair of the EVAW/G Alliance Khyber. “In an area where women’s mobility is inherently limited and access to formal justice is a challenge, these councils can serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking resolutions to their disputes.”
DRCs, as part of their mandate, provide a less formal and more accessible alternative to conventional judicial processes, thus providing a platform that is more inclusive and less intimidating for marginalized groups.
“DRCs bring justice closer to the people, thereby providing an avenue for the women of Khyber to be heard,” noted Aliza Mehfoz, Program Officer of Blue Veins. “Through DRCs, we aim to bridge the gap between the women of Khyber and the justice they rightfully deserve. The availability of this resource within their locality would mark a significant step towards ensuring their rights are protected.”
Blue Veins and the EVAW/G Alliance Khyber, in their demands, underscore the immense potential of DRCs to improve the rule of law and enhance public trust in the justice system. Moreover, they believe that the establishment of these councils could encourage women to come forward with their disputes, knowing they will be heard and treated fairly.
By raising the call for the establishment of DRCs in the Khyber District, Blue Veins and the EVAW/G Alliance Khyber aim to spark a broader conversation about access to justice for all, particularly women who often face more significant hurdles in their pursuit of justice.