The Family Justice Courts of Singapore and Hong Kong Courts collaborate to improve access to family justice through judicial cooperation.
In a groundbreaking move to bolster the administration of family justice, the Family Justice Courts of Singapore (FJC) and the Hong Kong Courts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 15 March 2024. This inaugural agreement between the judiciaries of Singapore and Hong Kong is aimed at enhancing bilateral judicial cooperation, marking a significant milestone in the administration of family justice.
The MOU seeks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences, setting the stage for comprehensive discussions on mutual interests. Key areas of focus include case management in family courts, leveraging technology in administering family justice, training for judges and court officers, development of family law procedures, and the pivotal role of mediation in family case settlements.
This collaboration will also explore bilateral initiatives designed to streamline judicial learning and improve access to justice. By targeting the reduction of resolution times and costs for family-related matters, the MOU aims to make a tangible impact on families in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Justice Teh Hwee Hwee, the Presiding Judge of the FJC, highlighted the MOU’s significance in fostering exchange and cooperation between the two judiciaries. She emphasized its role in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing access to justice for families, describing it as a crucial step forward in collaboration with foreign courts in the realm of family justice.
The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of The Honourable Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon of Singapore and The Honourable Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong SAR, who witnessed this historic agreement.
This MOU represents a pioneering effort to promote the efficient administration of family justice through international judicial collaboration, benefiting families in both Singapore and Hong Kong.
Source – SG Courts
