First law faculty opens in Puntland

On 11 October 2008, the first students in the new faculty of law commenced their term at Puntland State University, Garowe. Fifty students have enrolled for the first year and 34 percent of the students are women. Currently in Puntland, fewer than 20 percent of those who work in the courts or the legal profession have any formal legal education. The law faculty will provide a new generation of qualified legal professionals, which is a great step towards creating a fair, transparent and accountable justice system for the people of Puntland.   On 11 October 2008, the first students in the new faculty of law commenced their term at Puntland State University, Garowe. Fifty students have enrolled for the first year and 34 percent of the students are women. Currently in Puntland, fewer than 20 percent of those who work in the courts or the legal profession have any formal legal education. The law faculty will provide a new generation of qualified legal professionals, which is a great step towards creating a fair, transparent and accountable justice system for the people of Puntland.   The students have started a four-year undergraduate programme in secular and sharia law. The current law faculty staff include a dean of the faculty, three law lecturers and a faculty assistant. A scholarship programme funded by UNDP promotes the attendance of women and minority students. This aspect of the project is particularly important, as there are no women working in the legal profession in Puntland. The opening of the law faculty is the culmination of a long process that began in 2007, when the judiciary project undertook an assessment to identify a suitable university to partner with. UNDP has entered into a detailed agreement with Puntland State University to open the faculty and has provided the technical expertise to assist in the recruitment and training of the staff, the preparation of the curriculum, and the provision of equipment, books and other resources. UNDP is also funding the construction of permanent law faculty offices and dormitories for the students, allowing students from across Puntland to study in Garowe. An official opening of the law faculty buildings is planned with donors and government officials for early 2009.