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" Among those the lawyers represent street children who are arbitrarily arrested by the police, accused people who have waited for up to 10 years for trial. "
CLEAR, Rwanda
Launched in late 2006, the Network of Lawyers of Hope in Rwanda (LOH) is learning to fly, modelling themsleves on similar projects in Uganda and Kenya.LOH wants to reach the poor, in particular children at risk, prisoners and other needy people - and to give as many of them access to justice as possible.
Fifteen years after the devastating genocide in Rwanda, the country is working hard to rebuild a system of justice but with no legal aid system, for the 90% who cannot afford a lawyer, long periods in jail awaiting trial are the norm. Also, the issue of who owns what land (a factor in the genocide) has not been resolved 15 years on - and the poorest are most likely to find themselves without a plot to grow their own food.
After registering as a non governmental organisation (NGO), LOH has made significant progress in 2008-2009. Active membership of volunteers in the organisation has increased from 10 to 160 - not bad when you consider there are only 300 practising advocates in the country! LOH moved to larger office premises in November 2008 to accommodate student volunteers, prepare for and support the expanding work. In the 12 months leading up to March 2009, legal advice was provided on an ad hoc basis by LOH lawyers in cases including land disputes and embezzlement. A new Board was elected in April and has set in motion a 5 year strategic plan for the provision of legal education, legal advice and legal representation. The new Board has received management training, and was privileged to welcome Annet Tendo, Director of the Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity to Rwanda to share her experiences.
A key part of the work of LOH involves training law student volunteers to support the project. This enables them to gain experience by serving in the field while serving others less fortunate than themselves. LOH has established student groups in 3 of the 5 law schools in Rwanda, and in July 2009 hosted the first Student Conference for over 100 law students and a visiting team from the UK.
In 2010, LOH will start a 3 year project in partnership with World Vision to provide legal education on child rights, including training local paralegals to protect children. LOH lawyers and volunteers will also provide legal advice and representation to vulnerable children. In addition, LOH plans to expand its prison ministry, and move the organisation to an even wider membership base.
