UAE: Female prosecutors in Dubai eager to embrace new challenges

Dubai: The first batch of female public prosecutors who were sworn in as trainees at the Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI) on Tuesday have shown readiness to face challenges and eagerness to investigate criminal and civil cases.

Ten females, who were among a list of 30 public prosecution trainees that will start a judicial training programme at DJI next Sunday, swore in on Tuesday before Dubai Attorney General Essam Eisa Al Humaidan.

Thuraya Al Zarouni, who worked as a lawyer for six years, said she is ready to face any challenge in her upcoming job and expressed her eagerness to investigate criminal cases.

"I acquired good experience in handling criminal cases when I practiced law... my family supports me now and I am eager to work as a public prosecutor."

She told Gulf News that she chose public prosecution because she wants to serve the country.

"Why not become the first female chief prosecutor or attorney general?" she said.

The 30 public prosecution interns represent the DJI's 10th batch and were sworn in ahead of joining Dubai's Public Prosecution Department as assistant prosecutors.

The interns, who are the largest batch so far, were short-listed from over 250 applicants from all over the UAE, following a meticulous selection process that included oral and written examinations and a personal interview.

"I am seeking to specialise in criminal or commercial cases investigations. I have chosen to become a public prosecutor because I want to serve my country and make the UAE proud of its women. My family opposed my practising law at first but then they accepted the idea and supported me," said Amna Jamal Bukattara, who has eight years of experience.

By Bassam Za'za', Senior Reporter, Gulf News

Bahrain: Rights training institute on way

Bahrain plans to establish a "training institute" to educate all those concerned with implementing Bahrain's National Action Plan for Human Rights by the end of the year, it was revealed yesterday.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Nazar Al Baharna said the institute would train all stake holders in human rights procedures and to effectively implement them.

"We are committed to completely implement all our human rights commitments to world bodies and have, from today, started applying it in all spheres," Dr Al Baharna said during a formal launch ceremony for the plan at The Regency InterContinental Bahrain hotel.

The plan was launched in April by Dr Al Baharna in the presence of several non-government organisations (NGOs), members of civil societies and diplomats.

"While we are committed, we may not be adequately trained in certain areas. So we need to look at that aspect," he said.

"Whether it is police officers, representatives of civil societies, NGOs, workers or human rights organisations, we have to be prepared to tackle the challenges."

He said training workshops, follow-up meetings and other activities involving police and prison officers, security personnel, the media and the NGOs will be held regularly.

"The idea is to create a positive understanding among various sectors."

He said an inter-ministerial committee is being set up to follow up on the implementation of the plan till a permanent body for the purpose comes into effect.

"We had planned it by the end of the year but we see some logistical delays in its formation. Until that time, the temporary committee will take charge of the programme."

He said Bahrain's election to the UN Human Rights Council recently is ample proof that its steps are being appreciated.

UN Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative Sayed Aqa, who was also present, said he is encouraged by the move.

"This is an indication of Bahrain's commitment to improve human rights and a golden chance for its people to contribute towards its implementation."

Salient features of the plan include stepping up inspections of labour camps to ensure they comply with humanitarian, health and security criteria, as well as increased protection for domestic workers' rights - especially vulnerable groups such as expats and women.

It also includes the creation of a taskforce that will study and make proposals to government bodies on the ratification of human rights treaties, as well as national legislation.

By MANDEEP SINGH, Gulf Daily News

Morocco: Government boosts vocational education programmes

The Moroccan government has launched an ambitious plan to reduce unemployment by expanding job training resources. A new vocational education strategy aims at providing the labour market with some 750,000 graduates over the next four years from various private and public training institutions, compared with just 500,000 between 2003 and 2007. Officials expect that the number of people graduating from vocational training establishments will increase by 50% between 2008 and 2012.

To meet these targets, different measures will be introduced in 2008. The government looks to promote vocational training by strengthening partnerships with chambers of commerce, professional associations and businesses. To encourage workplace training, Morocco also wants to set up sector-based vocational training programmes on a contractual basis with professionals.

Some 10m dirhams will be allocated to finance studies on the best strategy to realise these objectives. Conducted under the guidance of a steering committee, the studies will determine the actual needs of the labour market and focus on adding new dynamism to the training sector. Study results will enable an emergency action plan to be set up by the start of the next academic year to implement necessary reforms.

Employment and Vocational Training Minister Jamal Aghhmani has stressed that the professional work world and the vocational training sector need a shared strategy. Such a co-operative plan will determine the national economy’s requirements in terms of skills and training and allow businesses to anticipate their future labour needs.

The strategy is also a response to the growing number of workers who do not fit the needs of the market and the problem of unemployment in the country.

Jamila Radi, who teaches in a vocational training institute, said it is not the work which is lacking, but rather the workers capable of doing it. She noted that while the aeronautics sector is "promising", the employee shortage is making itself felt in other areas. "We need to train some 70,000 graduates in tourism, 75,000 in textiles, 60,000 in information and communication technology [and] 60,000 in agriculture," Radi said, adding that young people who want to learn a trade need an effective career guidance system.

Professional training is coming to be valued more and more. In recent years, 4,000 graduates have joined vocational training institutions in recent years. Of these students, 41% graduate with high marks and 80% receive their diploma at the end of the programme.

To meet training needs, the government intends to create 50 new centres and increase the capacity of ten more by 2010.

However, a great many graduates from vocational training institutions find it hard to get a job once they have been awarded their diploma. To help them find their way into employment, there is a plan to set up 20 new national agencies to promote work and skills (ANAPEC), to meet a target of 70 total agencies in 2008.

Four other agencies will provide help for graduates who opt to take the foreign employment route.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat