’70 Years of FAO’ commemorative medal awarded to the Center of Legal and Judicial Training
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Mozambique on Wednesday (16/12) held an award ceremony in the city of Matola, Maputo Province, in which the Center of Legal and Judicial Training (CFJJ) was honoured. Taking place within the ambit of FAO's 70th anniversary celebrations, marked on the 16th of October 2015, as well as FAO's 40 years of service in Mozambique, CFJJ, an institution in the justice sector, was awarded a '70 Years of FAO' commemorative medal.
The purpose of the medal is to recognize and honour institutions worldwide that have given an exceptional contribution and have worked with FAO consistently in the areas of its mandate. The outcome of a competitive and rigorous selection process, this accolade has been awarded to 50 partners across the African continent.
The choice of CFJJ as the recipient of this medal in Mozambique is related to its mission. The institution focuses on promoting access to justice, as well as contributing to the development and strengthening of the judicial system in the country. This vision is founded on the concept that the development process and respect for people's rights are the basis of the rule of law. CFJJ plays a crucial role in this regard, maintaining its autonomy and independence in the judicial system of the state.
In an agrarian country like Mozambique, laws defining the rights over natural resources have a profound impact on the division of wealth, food security and well-being of the population. In this context, three years after the signing of the Peace Agreement, FAO began working with the government of Mozambique, particularly in the formulation and implementation of policy and law relating to land, forests and all other related areas, as well as in the preparation of technical regulations. Since 2001, FAO has teamed with the CFJJ, which addresses these fundamental issues with a strong and worthy commitment.
Presenting the medal to CFJJ at the ceremony, FAO Representative in Mozambique, Castro Camarada, commented "CFJJ is an exceptional partner, as it has shown a willingness to ensure the continuation of the paralegal program at its own base."