In a landmark achievement for Pakistan, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been digitized, marking a significant step towards enhancing public accessibility and understanding of the nation's foundational document. This remarkable initiative, spearheaded by the University of Balochistan in Quetta, represents a transformative effort in making the Constitution more accessible to a wider audience.

Traditionally, accessing the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan involved physical copies, potentially limiting its reach. This digitization project represents a significant step towards inclusivity and empowers citizens to engage more actively with their nation's core legal framework.

Muhammad Atif, a seasoned media professional and a driving force behind the project, is an alumnus of the University of Balochistan and currently serves as the Deputy Controller (Programme) at Radio Pakistan. Atif recognized the immense potential of technology to boost public engagement with the Constitution, proposed the digitization idea, and garnered unwavering support from the University administration.

The digitization of the Constitution of Pakistan is expected to set a precedent for innovation and collaboration, potentially inspiring similar initiatives globally. It underscores the vital role of accessible and understandable constitutions in fostering an informed citizenry and strengthening democratic foundations.

Should there be a North American constitution?  

Melissa A. Kotulski, the Founding-Owner & President of International Attestations, LLC, presents on the topic of Benefits and Issues of a "North American Constitution" and asks a provocative question: Should there be a North American constitution?  

Watch on YouTube Link below.

International Attestations, LLC is a small, woman-owned business in Wethersfield, Connecticut that is focused on international affairs, international law, and constitutional law. Melissa A. Kotulski, the President of the business, brings over twenty years of experience in these fields through her observations and inclusion in local, state, federal and international organizations on a variety of justice, rights, and security topics.

Professor Doctor Dircêo Torrecillas Ramos

Professor Doctor Dircêo Torrecillas Ramos discusses Federalism especially the concept of Federalism in Brazil. He presents an overview of the relationship between the members of states regarding policy, distribution of resources and revenue, regional and state privilege, power brokers, obstacles, inequalities, and measures to eliminate, inequality. A presentation on aspects of federalism to reduce inequalities by entities that make up the state and to find in "federalism" the potential to accommodate diversity and reduce inequality.

Graduated from PUC-SP; Master, Doctor, Associate Professor from University of São Paulo (USP). Guest professor PUC-PÓS; He was a Professor at Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) for 25 years. Member of the Superior Law Council of Fecomercio; Advisor to the Superior Council for National Studies and Politics – COSENP of FIESP – Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo; Member of APLJ - Paulista Academy of Law Letters; Member of IASP - São Paulo Lawyers Institute; President of Ellis Katz - Center for Federalism Studies / Study and Research Group on Constitutional Justice Louis Favoreu; Member of IPSA – International Political Science Association, APSA – American Political Science Association and Correspondent of the Center for the Study of Federalism – Philadelphia USA. He has more than 1,000 articles published in newspapers, magazines and books in Brazil and abroad.

In a landmark achievement for Pakistan, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been digitized.

Muhammad Atif, a seasoned media professional and a driving force behind the project, is an alumnus of the University of Balochistan and currently serves as the Deputy Controller (Programme) at Radio Pakistan. Atif recognized the immense potential of technology to boost public engagement with the Constitution, proposed the digitization idea, and garnered unwavering support from the University administration.

Atif’s involvement was crucial in bringing this vision to life. He personally undertook the vital task of formatting and coding the Constitution's text in both Urdu (Pakistan's national language) and English, ensuring its smooth integration into the digital format. He even went beyond by designing a user-friendly layout for all the platform's functionalities. 

This collaborative effort culminated in a comprehensive online platform here: http://cop.uob.edu.pk/cop/ that contains the complete text of the Constitution of Pakistan, now readily accessible to the public. The platform boasts several user-friendly features to enhance accessibility. It features the complete Constitution in both Urdu and English, promoting inclusivity for a broader audience. Users benefit from extensive search options, offering four different methods to efficiently locate specific articles. Additionally, each article is accompanied by relevant footnotes and annotations, providing valuable context and insights. The platform also grants easy access to all annexures in both languages with a click.

This initiative not only marks a significant milestone for Pakistan but also highlights the University of Balochistan's commitment to advancing educational and democratic values through technological innovation.

Muhammad Atif is Global Network Ambassador for World Constitution Day for Pakistan.

Nicholas Merlone speaks about the depth and breadth of religion in the Brazilian Constitution.

The professor, to bring his reflections, consulted the book Religious Law by Thiago Rafael Vieira and Jean Marques Regina, with a preface by Dr. Ives Gandra da Silva Martins. Initially, the speaker deals about the preamble of the Brazilian Constitution of 1988, with reference to “God”. After that, he talks about freedom of belief and other religious principles and rights. To be aware about more of the lecture, watch the video.

Prof. Me. Nicholas Merlone, Guest Professor at the Postgraduate Course at the Senac University Center.  Guest reviewer of scientific articles at the Federal District Court of Law. Master of Laws from Mackenzie Presbyterian University. Graduated in Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. Lawyer, Cultural Exchanger and Writer. 

Date: August 1, 2024

Pre-recorded Presentation especially for World Constitution Day 2024

Nicholas Merlone is Global Network Ambassador for World Constitution Day for Brazil.

Recitation of the Swiss Constitution by Students for 175th Anniversary Celebration of the Swiss Constitution

Selected students from the University of Lucerne and pupils from the Alpenquai cantonal high school presented their digital exhibition project at the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. An important aim of the  celebrations was to host open discussions with the younger generation on such topics as freedom, democracy and personal responsibility.

Technology and Video Sponsored by:  

Kaufmann Rüedi Rechtsanwälte AG

Alpenquai 28a

6005 Luzern

Status of Women's Issues in Brazilian Constitution and Law

ANGELA VIDAL GANDRA DA SILVA MARTINS speaks on topic of protecting women in society. Ways in which women can be elevated in professional vocations, sexual rights, intra-family respect, and societal assimilation. A discussion of the dedication women to find themselves in  a good place with a strong voice, not to be reduced, creating a richness and dialog within the family. A broad overview of the constitution topics regarding women's rights in Brazil.

Angela has a Doctor’s degree in Philosophy of Law at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Master’s degree in Philosophy of Law at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).  Graduate degree in Law at the University of São Paulo (USP). 

Partner at Gandra Martins Law Firm. Legal Director of FAESP (São Paulo Agriculture Federation). President at Ives Gandra Institute of Law, Philosophy, and Economics (IIG). Professor of Philosophy of Law at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie Brasília. 

Visiting Professor and Researcher at Harvard University. Member at International Academy of Law and Economics (AIDE). Member at Superior Council of Law at FECOMÉRCIO. Legal Consultant at the Culture and Livestock Federation of São Paulo (FAESP). Ex-National Secretary Family Affairs at Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights of Brazil (MMFDH).

by Wim Voermans (Author) 

Today, 189 out of 193 officially recognized nation-states have a written constitution, and 75% of these have been ratified since 1975. How did this worldwide diffusion of constitutions come about? In this book, Wim Voermans traces the varied and surprising story of constitutions since the agricultural revolution of c.10,000 bce. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, Voermans shows how human evolution, human nature and the history of thought have all played their part in shaping modern constitutions. Constitutions, in turn, have shaped our societies, creating imagined communities of trust and recognition that allow us to successfully co-operate with one another. Engagingly and wittily told, the story of constitutions is vital to understanding our world, our civilisations and, most significantly, ourselves. 

Constitutional Interpretation in Afghanistan's Legal System from

1923 to 2021

Ayub Yusufzai, Dr. Geeta, Dr. Gaurav Kataria

Article released in time for World Constitution Day celebrations.

Interpretation of the constitution is one of the most important legal issues in the constitutional law system of countries. In many legal systems, the courts or a specific institution is designated to exercise this authority. Various approaches to interpreting the constitution have been proposed, and these theories have faced criticism. Additionally,

several methods for interpreting the constitution have been introduced and presented. In any country, an institution dedicated to constitutional interpretation is essential. A country's constitution specifies which institution holds the authority to interpret it.

This article provides an analysis of constitutional interpretation in Afghanistan's legal system from 1923 to 2021, encompassing the evolution of judicial and political perspectives across different regimes. The study traces the development of constitutional interpretation starting with the 1923 Constitution, examining key milestones and the impact of various political upheavals, including the monarchy, republicanism, communist rule, and the post-2001 democratic transition.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH CULTURE SOCIETY 

Volume - 8, Issue - 6, June - 2024

Available online on - WWW.IJRCS.ORG Page 12

The Presidency of the Republic in the Federal Constitution of Brazil

Lecture by Doctor Luiz Fernando

Dr. Fernando discusses the subjects of the president of Brazil which is held within Chapter 2 of the Brazilian Constitution. He reviews Executive Branch definitions and how they promote the general good of the Brazilian people. Also discusses how the Vice President succeeds the President in various scenarios. This section of the constitution defines term of office and also includes the definitions of Vice President. He discusses this Executieve Branch and handling of international relations and treaties, how to initiate federal interventions. grant pardons and commute sentences, appoint military commanders and appoint ministers of the Federal Supreme Court. For more details we invite you to watch the excellent YouTube video.

 Speaker Biography- Master in Economic and Financial Law from the Faculty  of Law of the University of São Paulo, with the theme "Patrimonial  Inspection of Public Administration" (2013), graduated in Economic  Sciences from the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences of  Santo André (1985 ) and a degree in Law from the Faculty of Law of São  Bernardo do Campo (1987), in addition to a specialization in Criminal  Law from the Escola Superior do Ministério Público do Estado de São  Paulo (1998), having studied Introduction to North American Law at  George Washington University , Washington DC (Institute of US Law) in  2018. Currently, as a member of the São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office  (having joined in 1989) he is a Public Prosecutor of the Habeas Corpus  Public Prosecutor's Office, acting before the Chambers of the Court of  Justice of São Paulo, having been a member of the Attorney General's  office for the last four years, holding the position of Special  Secretary for Electoral Affairs and Deputy Attorney General for Civil  Justice and Collective Protection, as well as Coordinator of the MPSP  Memorial. He is also Director of International Relations at the São  Paulo Public Ministry Association (APMP). 

Professor Claudia Beeck

Discussion of constitutional reforms on economic issues; the nature of the constitution in relation to changing topics in economic policy.

Master and PhD in State Law (UFPR). Specialist in Civil Procedural Law.
Professor of Constitutional Law for undergraduate and preparatory courses. Author of the book "Why Judges Decide", published by Appris.

 Advogada, Mestre e Doutora em Direito do Estado pela Universidade Federal do Paraná; Brazil, Professora

Advogada com atuação em direito público, especialmente: (i) direito processual civil (especialista); (ii) direito tributário e; (iii) direito administrativo.

Doutora em Direito do Estado pela Universidade Federal do Paraná, na área de direito constitucional com interesse em: economia e direito; financeirização; desenvolvimento; direitos sociais e; políticas públicas;

Mestre em Direito do Estado pela Universidade Federal do Paraná, tendo estudado teoria da argumentação e sua aplicação aos julgados do Supremo Tribunal Federal, estudo que resultou no livro "Por que os juízes decidem?", publicado pela editora Appris, em 2021.

Especialista em Direito Processual Civil, tendo estudado em conclusão de curso o aspecto processual do controle de constitucionalidade, especialmente abstrativização do controle difuso.

Professora de Direito Constitucional, em cursos de graduação e cursos preparatórios, com ênfase em: (i) teoria da constituição; (ii) direitos fundamentais; (iii) poder legislativo; (iv) federação; (v) controle de constitucionalidade; (iv) aspectos econômicos e financeiros da Constituição.

Professora de Direito Processual Civil, em cursos de graduação e cursos preparatórios, com ênfase em: (i) recursos; (ii) ações constitucionais e; (iii) ações coletivas. 

Access to Public Health- An Universal Right in Any Jurisdiction

by Rafael Pangoni

Biography of Speaker- Lawyer; Master of Laws from the Pontifical University of São Paulo (PUCSP); Academic Researcher in International Law, Human Rights Law and Legal Philosophy; Foreign Rights Representative and Legal Counsel of Quadrante Editora; Teaching Assistant, Coordinator of the CIJ Research Center and Jessup Team Advisor at PUCSP; Member of the Legal Department of Associação Voluntários da Saúde (AVS). 

Access to Public Health: An Universal Right in any Jurisdiction

Presentation Description

With little to no access to healthcare at their villages, Peruvian women cross the border to give birth in Brazilian public hospitals. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action clearly states that all human rights are universal, i.e., not exclusive rights of citizens, but rather about the universal rights of human persons. It means that the only condition of enjoyment of such rights is the human condition, regardless of nationality and sovereign rights of a state.

It is the current opinion among publicists that human rights law is not reserved domain of the state’s constitution. In a multileveled system of protection, the doctrine of universality adopted by the drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be upheld by public authorities. 

Human rights law, both international and constitutional, recognizes the rights to life and healthcare not only as individual rights, but as duties of the state. No one, national or foreigner, should be subject to unsanitary and unsafe conditions, especially during childbirth.

Does the Process of Constitution-Making Matter?

by

Tom Ginsburg, Zachary Elkins, and Justin Blount

Constitution-making is a ubiquitous but poorly understood phenomenon. There is much speculation but relatively little evidence about the impact of different design processes on constitutional outcomes. Much of the debate reduces to the question of who is involved in the process and when. We consider two central issues in this regard. The first is the problem of institutional self-dealing, or whether governmental organs that have something to gain from the constitutional outcome should be involved in the process. The second has to do with the merits of public involvement in the process. Both of these concerns have clear normative implications and both are amenable to straightforward social scientific analysis. This article surveys the relevant research on constitution-making, describes the conceptual issues involved in understanding constitution-making, reviews the various claims regarding variation in constitution-making processes, and presents a set of baseline empirical results from a new set of data on the content and process of constitution-making. 

Horizontal Efficacy of Fundamental Rights

by Marcelo Figueiredo

Special Presentation for World Constitution Day 

Overview: Mr. Figueiredo discusses the struggle and achievement of fundamental rights in which the state does not act directly. This is in recognition that certain rights must be considered in relationships with others. An elaboration of what happens to fundamental rights when they come into contact with other aspects of the law. This area is marked with great controversy as they often involve a third party. Discussing American, German and Brazilian doctrine in this matter, along with earlier research and writings. The comprehensive lecture includes Power Point slides of the highlights to facilitate the meaning of the lecture.

Bio: Lawyer and legal consultant in São Paulo. Associate Professor of  Constitutional Law at the Faculty of Law of PUC-SP where he was director in two successive administrations. He is president and founder of the  Brazilian Association of Democratic Constitutionalists (ABCD), of the  Brazilian section of the Instituto Ibero-Americano de Derecho  Constitucional with headquarters in Mexico. He is vice president of the  International Association of Constitutional Law (IACL-AIDC).

Pre-recorded Presentation especially for World Constitution Day

"Conscientious objection with a gender perspective in the health sector. The Mexican Constitution experience"

  CECILIA PALOMO

As a result of what professors Navarro Valls and Martínez Torrón have called the "big-bang" of conscientious objection, various groups have engaged in a career of strategic litigation confronting human rights, especially with allegations of non-discrimination vs. religious freedom.  The women's rights movement has reached its apex relatively recently in Latin America, stimulating various social movements that have had repercussions in the academic sphere, especially through studies with a gender perspective, which have been echoed in the legal, political, and legislative spheres, with a special impact on the health sector. In this context, the elements of conscientious objection in the medical field are presented, as well as its regulation in international law.

Dr. Cecilia Palomo is a lecturer specializing in human rights and gender perspective, Vice President of the Mexican Bar Association in Aguascalientes, Member of the International Association of Women Judges, Associate of the UNESCO Chair on Futures Literacy, and Professor at the Federal Judiciary Government in Mexico. She has been a lecturer in seminars related to human rights in America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Switzerland Celebrates with Events All Over the Country

Overview of their National Celebrations

175 years of the Federal Constitution:
keynote speaker, former National Councilor and party president Regula Rytz

 The Parliamentary Services of the Federal Assembly are responsible for the overall project management of the country-wide anniversary activities of the Swiss Parliament in Bern. These activities have the motto “1848 – an unbelievable story” and are supported by the Federal Council and the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), which it has declared responsible. 

 How did the Federal Constitution come about? How did the rural population live in the 1840s? How did the last war on Swiss soil come about and what significance did it have for the development of today's Switzerland? 

A Presentation on "The Evolution and Implementation of Environment Rights" a special for World Constitution Day

Presentation by Professor James R. May

 James R. May is Distinguished Professor of Law and co-Founder of the Dignity Law Institute and Founder of the Environmental Rights Institute at Widener University Delaware Law School, United States of America (USA). May is also Adjunct Professor of Graduate Engineering and inaugural and immediate past Chief Sustainability Officer at Widener University, where he founded the Widener Sustainability Initiative.

May is the author, co-author, editor or co-editor of a dozen books, author or co-author of three-dozen book chapters, four-dozen law review articles, and five-dozen other works of published legal scholarship. 

Constitutions of USA and Brazil

A discussion of the differences and similarities of these two important constitutions of the world's two leading democracies.

 Dr. Luiz Fernando Rodrigues Pinto Junior

Attorney of Justice, Current Special Secretary for Electoral Affairs of the Office of the Attorney General of Justice of the Public Ministry of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Time:  August 1st and anytime thereafter

Forty Five Years of the Second Republican Constitution of Sri Lanka: The Consolidation of Authoritarianism in the Service of Capital

SANJAYA WILSON JAYASEKERA

Background: A student of comparative constitutionalism would learn that Sri Lanka constitutional history is an example of how written constitutions could be instruments of power for authoritarian regimes and near dictatorships, serving the interests of the market. As described in the presentation, the past half a century of Sri Lankan history is the history of two written constitutions: the constitution of 1972 and of 1978. Under these two republican constitutions, Sri Lankan working people and the poor of all ethnicities bore the brunt of two insurgencies that were crudely crushed, and one racist civil war that lasted close to three decades victimizing lives of hundreds of thousands, not to mention a series of instances of discrimination and violence against ethnic minorities and the working class who fought for better living conditions. 

Bio: Sanjaya Wilson Jayasekera, LL.B, LL.M, is an Attorney-at-Law, practicing in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is a human rights activist and a journalist. He is the editor of theRepublic.LK website and the author of the book titled, 'Neoliberal Constitutionalism and the Austerity State: the  Resurgence of Authoritarianism in the Service of Market.' He is a lecturer of Sri Lanka Law College, teaching Constitutional Law.

Youtube link to presentation for World Constitution Day

Constitutional Dignity Rights

An examination of dignity-based rights, laws and the written constitution; a special for World Constitution Day

Presentation by Professor James R. May

 James R. May is Distinguished Professor of Law and co-Founder of the Dignity Law Institute and Founder of the Environmental Rights Institute at Widener University Delaware Law School, United States of America (USA). May is also Adjunct Professor of Graduate Engineering and inaugural and immediate past Chief Sustainability Officer at Widener University, where he founded the Widener Sustainability Initiative.

May is the author, co-author, editor or co-editor of a dozen books, author or co-author of three-dozen book chapters, four-dozen law review articles, and five-dozen other works of published legal scholarship. 

Guests at Monticello can meet Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker) in person. Widely recognized as the foremost interpreter of our nation's third President, Barker appears as Jefferson in regularly-scheduled programming, meeting with guests, answering questions, and bringing a deep and nuanced portrayal of the man who wrote "all men are created" and helped found the United States of America.

Hear Thos. Jefferson celebrate World Constitution Day

 "Global Trends in Constitutionalism"

Dr. Tom Ginsberg, Professor of Law, The University of Chicago

Dr. Richard Albert, Department of Government          

University of Texas Austin

Special for World Constitution Day 

August 1st

Kyle Jenks

Professional Interpreter and actor of USA President James Madison

Writer / Director / Producer / Promoter / Actor

 Historic performer Kyle Jenks will portray  James Madison in this session. In character he will explain Madison’s  major contributions to the United States Constitution as well as provide  context with commentary on what led to his conclusions. 

August 1st: Video Available To Watch Here

Speaker

Albert Gallatin, Pennsylvania State Legislator - 1789-1793,  1794; US Representative from Pennsylvania - 1795-1801; Secretary of the  Treasury 1801-1814

Overview- Historic performer, Ron Duquette, portrays Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin in this  informative and entertaining overview of the September, 1788 convention called in Harrisburg, PA to both protest the rapidity of the ratification of the US Constitution by Pennsylvania - which occurred as a result of the "delayed" notification of possible Western Pennsylvania  delegates - to call for a new Constitutional Convention because of the  lack of enumerated individual rights within the draft US Constitution.  When the convention attempted to promote that approach, that is, throw out the whole thing and start all over, Albert Gallatin protested  strongly.  Gallatin's involvement with this movement identified him as  "anti-federalist" (as opposed to an "anti-Federalist") - opposing the  centralization of too much power at the center without securing the  rights of the individual (although the second was what he became as he aligned himself more and more with Jefferson and, after a time, Madison -  who had started, actually, as a Federalist).

August 1st

World Constitution Day Presentation

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