N'Djamena, 9 février 2009--The Minister of Justice of Chad, Mr. Jean Bowoyeu Alingue, initiated a one-week visit to eastern Chad on 2 February 2009 to meet with magistrates, prosecutors as well as administrative and traditional authorities and the security forces in their capacity as auxiliaries of Justice. The Minister took this opportunity to evaluate the working conditions of these institutions in the field.

With the logistical and technical support of MINURCAT, this mission seeks to build capacities of the Chadian justice system in its fight against impunity, in collaboration with the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The mission proceeded to Abeche, Iriba, Guereda, Biltine, Farchana, Goz Beida and Am Timam.

MINURCAT is willing to support efforts of the Government in eastern Chad to install, in an effective manner, magistrates appointed by decree on February 9, 2009 for the region. According to its mandate, MINURCAT assists the Government of Chad in the promotion of the rule of law, including through support for an independent judiciary and a strengthened legal system, in close coordination with United Nations agencies