The Honourable Mr Kamal Kumar, Acting Chief Justice

Mr. Peter Nannayakkara Chief Executive Officer of McGirr Technologies

Mr. Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning to you all.

I am delighted to be here with our prominent partners at the public launch of this historic digital innovation initiative undertaken by the Judicial Department.

The agreement being signed today between the Judicial Department and McGirr Technologies will enable the establishment of an electronic case management and e-filing system in Fiji’s Courts.

It is a comprehensive component including the establishment of e-filing and case management systems, e-helpdesks, provision of hardware for data backup, and training for the utilization of the e-filing system, with technical support provided by McGirr Technologies based in Australia, Australia's leading provider of digital solutions for justice sector.

The case management and e-filing system will improve the provision of efficient legal services and information, and establish a system for monitoring, analysing and reporting on case trends to strengthen accountability and transparency in Judicial procedures. 

The new digital management system will also contribute to the development of evidence-based policy and analysis and to the continuation of the provision of legal services for long-term impact.

Through this innovation in the Court system, UNDP supports the Judicial Department’s goal to strengthen the right to access justice and due process for the people of Fiji, strengthen people-centered justice system, and further accountable and transparent court management. This initiative is made possible by generous supported provided by the European Union, through the Fiji Access to Justice Project.

The project, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP, supports access to justice, in particular for impoverished and vulnerable groups. It does so by empowering people to access their legal rights and services, strengthening key justice institutions to deliver improved services, and strengthening the capacity of CSOs to deliver justice accompaniment services, with a special focus on supporting persons with disabilities and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

This is an opportune time for the digital development in the Court system, as heightening justice needs have been reported worldwide and experienced in Fiji, due to the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upgrading the efficiency of the justice system and upholding the rule of law and access to justice is crucial at this time.

I congratulate the Honourable Acting Chief Justice of Fiji Mr Kamal Kumar for his leadership in this historic step forward towards more efficient and people-centered justice system.

I would also like to thank the McGirr Technologies for enabling this digital innovation as a partner with the common aspirations.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the EU for its strong support and continuing partnership for advancing people’s access to justice in Fiji.

Vinaka vakalevu!