USAID's SAIBA
The Balkh Deputy Provincial Governor delivers a formal speech at the official opening of the AIBA Balkh sub-office.
USAID's SAIBA
Ribbon-cutting at the Balkh regional sub-office.
Ensuring that citizens have a strong understanding of their rights and have access to adequate legal resources is one of the most important responsibilities of any legal system. Enter the Afghanistan Independent Bar Association (AIBA).
With support from USAID, AIBA opened its first regional sub-office in Balkh Province in late 2012. The Balkh location is the first of four sub-offices to be opened. Other locations will include Kandahar, Herat, and Nangarhar.
The Balkh Appeals Court Chief and the Director of the Balkh Justice Directorate, Mr. Qarizada, emphasized the necessity for cooperation between the two judicial arms – prosecution and defense – to ensure that the judicial system upholds the rule of law and safeguards citizens’ rights. Said Mr. Qarizada, “AIBA enshrines the right to justice and legal representation for all people.”
USAID’s Support the Afghanistan Independent Bar Association (SAIBA) program, which is helping open the AIBA sub-offices, aims to increase understanding of, and access to, legal and justice systems.
Snapshot Linking Citizens to Legal Services