Quianna Canada: Environmental Case Adjournment Minor Setback for Major Come Up.
Justice is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. It ensures the rights, liberties, and well-being of individuals are protected, and that wrongdoings are appropriately addressed. However, when justice is delayed, the repercussions can be severe, and the entire concept of justice can be undermined.
As the famous saying goes, “justice delayed is justice denied.”
“When I faced an injustice at the Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, I naturally sought redress through the Courts on Washington Street,” says Quianna Canada, a student, activist and country researcher.
Victims in civil suits, like Canada, often look to the legal system to provide them with a fair and impartial process that will hold wrongdoers accountable and help them find closure. However, if this process is delayed, it may lead to a sense of frustration, loss of faith in the system, and even irreversible harm for those affected. “Not for me,” says Canada. “Delays are simply a minor setback for a major come up. This ‘major come up’ need not be financial; it can often take the form of achieving a much needed discipline. Yes, superficial delays can be frustrating. They are also a signpost that some major influences may be at play. However, this will not stop me, and it shouldn’t stop you.”
The influence toxic authority figures wield over their environment may be another reason why justice plaintiffs cannot access the courts. Toxic authority figures understand delayed justice prolongs suffering, keeping wounds open and increases emotional distress. They also know the plaintiff (victim) may feel ignored, disregarded, or even re-victimized by the system itself.
“This is the effect toxic authority figures want to have on victims, especially those who are fighting their battles alone. However, it’s important for victims to have resilience and not give up. All toxic authority figures have is their ability to oppress; nothing more. It’s a bleak existence,” says Canada. “True leadership is not oppressive, coercive or intimidating. It’s leading from a place of unconditional love, which some powerful people controlling this case know very little about.”
Quianna Canada: Environmental Case Adjournment Minor Setback for Major Come Up
However, research suggest the longer justice is delayed, the harder it becomes to ensure a fair trial and proper resolution. Additionally, if justice is delayed, it allows wrongdoers to further harm the victims who brought a case against the defendants. Such situations undermine the sense of security and trust within the court system, breeding a culture where wrongdoing goes unpunished. “I have total faith that justice will prevail. No Kreeseism, nepotism or toxicity can stop what the Universe has planned,” says Canada.
“Justice delayed will not erode my confidence in the Irish legal system. While I may have no confidence in toxic authority figures, I do have faith that justice will prevail.” Canada further states she will do what she can to build trust; build bonds with these legal systems, even if that means writing more articles about injustice in Ireland.
Can an Immigrant Human Right Defender Bring an Action in Irish Court by Themselves?
Despite the view of some very influential people, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders clarified that “Everyone has the right, individually…to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels” (See para. 29).
Mrs. Lawlor further articulated that states, such as Ireland, must ensure the rights of human rights defenders are not violated or curtailed because of the work they do. Indeed, Mrs. Lawlor specified that governments must “ensure that human rights defenders have access to justice and to effective remedies through national courts…regardless of their immigration status.”
However, the detrimental effects of delays in delivering justice in Ireland cannot be overstated. It deprives victims of closure, weakens the legal process, creates a culture of impunity, overburdens the legal system, and may erode public trust. “But don’t let it get you down. If there is an injustice, make sure your video record or document it, and then, keep it moving,” says Canada.
