Treat People With Respect, Dignity, A-G Tells Legal Aid Lawyers

Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum yesterday told Legal Aid lawyers to treat people with respect and dignity irrespective of their status or background.

He also counseled them to uphold integrity at all times

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum made the remarks at the close of the Legal Aid Workshop at the Inter-Continental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Natadola.

He said: “We expect that you will treat those people who walk into your doors with dignity and respect.

“Many times I’ve seen that just because somebody does not drive a Prado and catches the bus, may not be able to speak English properly or is poor, or not well connected, people don’t treat them well. Please don’t do that.”

He said the whole rationale of them in that organisation was for them to serve.

He said they could not afford to lose that focus.

He said they had the ability to ensure that they always upheld the values and principles and indeed the mandate of their organisation.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum emphasised the importance of integrity within the organisation.

“Integrity means that if somebody gives you a bribe you have the ability to stand up against it,” he said.

“If somebody gives you a bribe, you actually tell them you don’t want to take it and you report that person even though you may be the best of mates.

“That’s the real test for your organisation.

“That’s what I mean by having integrity within your system.

“You have to maintain your standard of professionalism at all times,” he said.

“You have to ensure that you continuously maintain high levels of integrity and integrity involves ensuring that you deliver service with security, even within your own organisation.

“You treat each other with dignity and integrity.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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