Paragon Law’s Human Rights lecture visits Malaysia

The role of women in British and Malaysian societies was examined at the third annual Paragon Human Rights Lecture, which took place at The University of Nottingham’s Kuala Lumpur campus on 12 May 2008.

The high profile lecture is organised jointly by immigration specialists Paragon Law and the University of Nottingham’s Human Rights Law Centre. The University secured two high calibre speakers in Shanthi Dairam, Director of International Human Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific, and Vanessa Munro, Professor of Socio-Legal Studies at The University of Nottingham.

Michael O’Flaherty, co-director of the Human Rights Law Centre and a member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee said:

“We are delighted that the annual Paragon Human Rights Lecture took place in Malaysia this year. This event made an important contribution to dialogue between UK and Malaysia-based human rights experts as well as strengthening links between the two campuses of the University.  The topic is particularly timely, with both countries seeking to learn from each other in highlighting and promoting the role of women in society. 

Kirin Abbas, Director of Paragon Law commented:

“Paragon Law has a very good relationship with both the universities in Nottingham and we are very proud to be working with the University of Nottingham to co-host the third Paragon Human Rights Law lecture in Malaysia.

“Paragon has been at the forefront of developing domestic and international law concerning the human rights of women.  For example, we were involved in a House of Lords case where it was established that rape and sexual violence can be held as a weapon of war, and that the effect of this upon women should be considered under the Refugee Convention.

Ms Abbas added:

“Paragon Law also represents a number of young women who have been trafficked into the UK for prostitution. In a society where legislation on this issue primarily punishes the trafficker, the victim is given little protection by the law.  Paragon Law aims to fight for the rights of these highly vulnerable women and protect their interests. 

Ms Abbas commented that dealing with these young women can be challenging but extremely rewarding. She quoted Johnetta Cole who once said “Educate a man and you educate an individual.  Educate a woman and you educate a whole family”, and added:

“This is true of not only a family but also an economy.  In a global economy where there is a shortage of skilled individuals, the successful economies will be those that have a good supply of skilled people.  It is not in the interest of a country to ignore one half of the population - those economies that are successful on a global scale encourage women to train and be involved in the work force”.

Thalej Vasishta, founder and director of Paragon Law concludes:

“We have established some very good relationships in Malaysia.  We recently hosted lunches for the Chief Justice of Malaysia and the Minister for Arts and Culture when they were visiting Nottingham.  It is important to Paragon that we continue to maintain these relationships and in particular to enhance the very good relationship that we have with the University of Nottingham.”
Paragon Law also hosted a seminar on 14 May at the University of Nottingham in Kuala Lumpur to provide Malaysian entrepreneurs and business people with up to date information on the legal requirements for coming to the UK to invest, set up in business or study.