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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Over 30 high court judges have participated in a digital rights innovative lab workshop designed to sharpen their skills and competence on digital interactions for improved adjudication in a 21st Century that’s driven by technology.
The training, which was facilitated by the Accountability Lab Nigeria, exposed the judges to deep information and knowledge about ICT, and several ways that could use technology to fasten their services. The Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told journalists at the workshop in Abuja that the training became necessary following the observed knowledge limitations of the judges on issues of digital rights, data protection and privacy, and considering the fact that applications of ICT tools in legal system has become a must.
He said: “We needed to create a deep and sincere conversation with the judges, and make them understand their roles in promoting human rights, particularly in the digital space.
“We will also engage with judges from the magistrate court, as well as members of the Nigeria Bar Association so that collectively, they would have a good knowledge of how to juggle between data privacy, human rights and national security.” The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, in his submission noted that such a workshop for the judges was important to advance digital rights in an increasingly interconnected world made easy by technology. He said: “This workshop comes at a time when innovation must align with human rights; governments, most especially the justice sector, as well as civil society, private sector actors, and individuals must work together to ensure that digital rights are protected across geographies and communities; creativity and resilience are non-negotiable; and addressing complex digital challenges requires bold, out-of-the-box thinking.”
