Trần Thị An, deputy head of the Professional Affairs Division under Quảng Trị Province’s State Legal Aid Centre No. 1 exchanges with trainees. — Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Justice

QUẢNG TRỊ — Local officials and community representatives in Quảng Trị Province are receiving intensive training to improve legal aid awareness and capacity, reinforcing the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to ensuring citizens can access legal support.

The Department of Law Dissemination, Education and Legal Aid under the Ministry of Justice organised two workshops on Wednesday to enhance legal aid knowledge and skills for local officials and reputable community representatives.

Participants, including representatives from local organisations, mass associations and respected individuals from Đồng Hới, Đồng Thuận, Đồng Sơn and Đồng Trạch communes, were briefed by Phan Trọng Hưng, deputy director of Quảng Trị Province’s State Legal Aid Centre No. 1, and Trần Thị An, deputy head of the centre’s Professional Affairs Division.

The sessions focused on key provisions of the Law on Legal Aid, particularly practical issues such as identifying those eligible for legal aid, procedures for submitting requests, forms and scope of legal aid services, and the rights and obligations of beneficiaries.

The speakers highlighted the vital role of legal aid in protecting the lawful rights and interests of citizens, especially the poor, people with meritorious service to the nation, and those facing financial difficulties.

They noted that following the recent administrative mergers of wards and communes, the increased population has placed greater demands on local officers to disseminate information and guide residents in accessing legal aid services.

Sharing experiences and solutions

Adopting a learner-centred training approach, the workshops provided an overview of legal aid policies and regulations, helping participants understand the scope, forms and fields of legal aid and how to identify individuals eligible for free assistance.

The training also strengthened participants’ skills in explaining the right to legal aid and their responsibility to refer eligible individuals to Quảng Trị Province’s State Legal Aid Centre.

Participants said the workshops deepened their understanding of legal aid laws and improved their ability to play a key role in promoting legal aid at the grassroots level.

They also proposed that the Department of Law Dissemination, Education and Legal Aid continue organising similar training sessions, particularly those focusing on specialised areas such as land law and laws relating to children and women.

These training activities have contributed to the effective implementation of legal aid components under national target programmes and reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to bringing legal knowledge and services closer to the people. — VNS