Activities – International Bridges to Justice http://www.ibj.org Access to Justice for All Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:46:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://www.ibj.org/wp_main/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/cropped-IBJ-Site-Icon-32x32.jpg Activities – International Bridges to Justice http://www.ibj.org 32 32 Reimagining Criminal Justice at the UNGA High-Level Week http://www.ibj.org/2026/10/reimagining-criminal-justice-at-the-unga-high-level-week/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:46:32 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=47385 Reimagining Criminal Justice at the UNGA High-Level Week

On the 22nd of September 2026, International Bridges to Justice brought leaders from government, law, philanthropy and technology together in New York for “Reimagining Criminal Justice: Harnessing DPI and Al for Digital Transformation,” an affiliate session of the International Telecommunication Union and UNDP Digital@UNGA programme, with opening remarks from our Founder and CEO, Karen Tse, and moderation by Kenneth Cukier, Deputy Executive Editor of The Economist.

For 25 years, IBJ has focused on turning early access from an individual act of rescue into a reliable public service, integrating technology along the way. Our forthcoming Paper on the Digital Transformation of Criminal Justice presents a blueprint grounded in digital public infrastructure (DPI) and AI, that builds local leadership and partnerships with governments and other stakeholders to turn this into a global infrastructure.

The roundtable created a space to discuss the potential for DPI to revolutionise the criminal justice system, and ways in which DPI can be developed. Our firestarters brought energy and insight to the discussion:

  • Alpha Sesay, Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone
  • Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou, CEO of Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA)
  • Lindsey Crumbaugh of Co-Develop
  • Melvyn Lubega, Head of the Digital Services Unit for The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
  • Ashutosh Chadha of Microsoft

Our guests brought their valuable perspectives and expertise to the table:

  • Nancy Hollander of Arshack, Hajek & Lehrman
  • Jamila Justine Willis of DLA Piper LLP
  • Samantha Cousino of Clyde & Co
  • Brian Oduor of Batian Peak
  • Wayne Chang of Spruce Systems
  • Andrew Heinrich of Colombia University
  • Allana Welch of Access Partnership
  • Naveen Varshan of UNDP

Following this successful event, International Bridges to Justice will continue developing its paper on the ‘Digital Transformation of Criminal Justice: From Challenges to Capabilities: Making the Case for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the Criminal Justice Sector and Providing a Transformation Blueprint’. International Bridges to Justice then plans to support the development of DPI in Cambodia, showing how digital transformation of criminal justice can be done in practice. 

]]> IBJ Hosts World Premiere of “Beats of Justice” for International Women’s Day http://www.ibj.org/2026/03/ibj-hosts-world-premiere-of-beats-of-justice-for-international-womens-day/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:54:41 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=47133 In recognition of International Women’s Day, International Bridges to Justice hosted the world premiere of the short film “Beats of Justice” on 3 March 2026.

This inspiring event showcased the courageous work of one of our Indonesian JusticeMakers Fellows, Joan Patricia Walu Riwu Kaho (“Puput”). The film follows Puput as she defends a woman who experienced sexual assault, but was herself accused of a crime – adultery. Such systemic criminalisation of women is all too common in Indonesia and many other countries. The film captures Puput’s dedication and resilience, as well as those of our other Indonesian JusticeMakers Fellows, while underscoring the immense work still needed to achieve equal protection for women under the law. The film reminds us why we must keep fighting every day to advance access to justice for women and girls around the world.

Following the screening, IBJ hosted a panel discussion moderated by IBJ Founder, Karen Tse, with Puput herself sharing her thoughts on the film; Sandrine Giroud, President of the Geneva Bar Association; Atalanti Moquette, Founder of Giving Women; Caitlin Kraft-Buchman, Founder of Women at the Table; and Ratna Batara Munti from Komnas Perempuan. Panelists reflected on the importance of amplifying women’s voices in justice systems and advancing meaningful reform.

Overall, it was a memorable event that brought together thoughtful reflections and a shared commitment to advancing justice and equal protection for women and girls worldwide.

IBJ thanks The Video Consortium and the Skoll Foundation for their support in bringing this important film to life.

]]> IBJ Concludes Advancing Access to Justice Project in Tunisia http://www.ibj.org/2025/07/ibj-concludes-advancing-access-to-justice-project-in-tunisia/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:35:50 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=45538 In the first part of 2025, IBJ proudly completed its two-year Advancing Access to Justice Tunisia (AAJT) project, made possible with support from The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF). This initiative aimed to improve legal representation for marginalized communities, promote gender inclusivity within the legal profession, and strengthen defenders’ capacity to advocate effectively for vulnerable accused individuals.

In particular, the AAJT project focused on three core pillars: training, legal representation, and awareness.

First, IBJ trained legal defenders to build their skills in representing accused individuals from vulnerable communities. The program targeted young lawyers in Tunis and was delivered through four group sessions, covering key topics such as international standards on the rights of accused persons, responsibilities of defense lawyers, Tunisian legal practices, and interview techniques for tortured or traumatized clients. Participants gained practical skills that prepared them to address the complex challenges of criminal defense work.

Across these sessions, IBJ worked directly with 115 lawyers to strengthen their skills in criminal defense and rights-based representation, focusing especially on defending marginalized individuals. Women accounted for 56% of participants. Although the trainings were short-term, they provided practical tools that participants could immediately apply in their defense work. In post-training surveys, 100% of respondents reported increased confidence in their criminal defense knowledge. This demonstrates the program’s role in building the technical capacity of a more diverse group of legal defenders committed to serving vulnerable communities.

To support lasting impact, IBJ also developed the Tunisia Criminal Defence Practice Manual, which contains detailed, locally relevant guidance for lawyers at each stage of the litigation process. The Manual incorporates insight from diverse justice-sector stakeholders in Tunisia. It is available online, and IBJ has distributed 1,000 physical copies across the country.

Second, AAJT sought to improve respect for due process and fair trial rights by facilitating early access to justice. After the training program concluded, IBJ formed a task force of lawyers who went on to represent 256 marginalized accused individuals by February 2025, exceeding the original goal of 250 cases. Thanks to collaboration with Forum Tunisien des Droits Économiques et Sociaux (FTDES) and the Young Lawyers’ Association of Tunisia (ATJA), the task force was able to reach vulnerable communities throughout Tunisia. IBJ also worked with civil society leaders and local partners to launch the Tunisian JusticeHub app in April 2024. This tool helped lawyers manage cases more efficiently through integrated case calendars and task management features, supporting access to legal services.

Third, AAJT worked to raise public awareness of due process rights under Tunisian and international human rights law. In September 2023, IBJ and UNDEF successfully launched the Rights Awareness Campaign in Tunis, shining a spotlight on defendants’ rights. Starting in May 2024, IBJ partnered with the U.S.-based National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and the Institut Arabe des Droits de l’Homme (IADH) to air and rebroadcast four radio episodes on the rights of the accused, and launch a Know Your Rights social media campaign. IBJ also worked with an influencer specializing in legal awareness to create short social media thematic shows. In total, the Rights Awareness Campaign reached an estimated 30,000 to 90,000 people via radio, and over 850,000 via social media, surpassing the original target of 500,000.

Overall, the AAJT project has made a meaningful impact on Tunisia’s legal community by enhancing the skills of defenders and broadening access to quality legal representation for vulnerable populations. By equipping legal professionals with practical tools and a deeper understanding of the rights of the accused, the project has helped build a stronger, more inclusive justice system. At the same time, the development of vital resources and increased public awareness mark important steps toward lasting reform, creating momentum for continued progress in ensuring justice for all Tunisians.

]]> Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia http://www.ibj.org/2024/03/womensday/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:04:42 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=41173

Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia

Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the launch of the Women Human Rights Defender (WHRD) Network in Indonesia. The Network was launched by International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), together with LBH APIK Jakarta and with support from the European Union. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRD) aims to be a place of inclusion and support for women defenders across Indonesia, who are dedicated to advocating for the rights of women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Celebrating International Women's Day, the Network launch also marks a new chapter for IBJ Indonesia towards better protecting women’s rights.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the launch of the Women Human Rights Defender (WHRD) Network in Indonesia. The Network was launched by International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), together with LBH APIK Jakarta and with support from the European Union. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRD) aims to be a place of inclusion and support for women defenders across Indonesia, who are dedicated to advocating for the rights of women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Celebrating International Women's Day, the Network launch also marks a new chapter for IBJ Indonesia towards better protecting women’s rights.

A Gathering of Minds and Hearts
The launch event brought together more than 50 prominent figures and champions of women's rights from across Indonesia. It was moderated by Nancy Sunarno, a distinguished expert in human rights and women's rights. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, who emphasized the EU's commitment to support initiatives that ensuring access to justice for all. Uli Pangaribuan, the director of LBH APIK Jakarta, and Karen Tse, founder and CEO of IBJ, both highlighted the network's aim to bridge gaps in justice and provide a supportive community for defenders. Keynote speaker I G Agung Putri Astrid Kartika, Special Advisor to the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, along with Theresa Sri Endras Iswarini, Commissioner at the Commission to End Violence Against Women, offered valuable insights into the current landscape of women's rights and stressed the need to pave the way for equality.

The launch event brought together more than 50 prominent figures and champions of women's rights from across Indonesia. It was moderated by Nancy Sunarno, a distinguished expert in human rights and women's rights. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, who emphasized the EU's commitment to support initiatives that ensuring access to justice for all. Uli Pangaribuan, the director of LBH APIK Jakarta, and Karen Tse, founder and CEO of IBJ, both highlighted the network's aim to bridge gaps in justice and provide a supportive community for defenders. Keynote speaker I G Agung Putri Astrid Kartika, Special Advisor to the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, along with Theresa Sri Endras Iswarini, Commissioner at the Commission to End Violence Against Women, offered valuable insights into the current landscape of women's rights and stressed the need to pave the way for equality.

A Coalition for Change
The WHRD Network seeks to integrate women defenders from rural areas and those working at the grassroots level. "Inspire Inclusion," the theme of IWD 2024, resonates deeply with the Network. The Network aims to include not only lawyers, but also civil society leaders, journalists, paralegals, academics, and all women dedicated to human rights advocacy. Moreover, the network intends to connect Indonesian defenders with their global counterparts through IBJ's international network. This international collaboration will increase the impact of defenders' work locally and worldwide.

The WHRD Network seeks to integrate women defenders from rural areas and those working at the grassroots level. "Inspire Inclusion," the theme of IWD 2024, resonates deeply with the Network. The Network aims to include not only lawyers, but also civil society leaders, journalists, paralegals, academics, and all women dedicated to human rights advocacy. Moreover, the network intends to connect Indonesian defenders with their global counterparts through IBJ's international network. This international collaboration will increase the impact of defenders' work locally and worldwide.

Looking Forward
With this launch, the network's journey is just beginning. The WHRD Network will host monthly online meetings and an annual regional in-person meeting across various Indonesian cities. It marks a new chapter in the fight for women’s rights. In the words of Karen Tse, "The Women Human Rights Defender Network stands as a testament to our collective strength and determination to make a difference in the lives of women and vulnerable communities. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements our network will accomplish.”

With this launch, the network's journey is just beginning. The WHRD Network will host monthly online meetings and an annual regional in-person meeting across various Indonesian cities. It marks a new chapter in the fight for women’s rights. In the words of Karen Tse, "The Women Human Rights Defender Network stands as a testament to our collective strength and determination to make a difference in the lives of women and vulnerable communities. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements our network will accomplish.”

]]> IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother http://www.ibj.org/2023/06/reclaims-justice/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 08:39:30 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=38293

IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother

IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother

The last month of pregnancy can be one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. Grace, 35 from the D.R.C, was thrilled to welcome her new child. Little did she know what her neighbors, who were not on good terms with her, were plotting. They paid a young boy to steal plates and to falsely accuse Grace of being the culprit.

The last month of pregnancy can be one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. Grace, 35 from the D.R.C, was thrilled to welcome her new child. Little did she know what her neighbors, who were not on good terms with her, were plotting. They paid a young boy to steal plates and to falsely accuse Grace of being the culprit.

Police burst into Grace’s home – they searched everywhere, but did not find any stolen items. Despite the absence of any evidence, they threw her into their car and took her straight to the police station. She was denied access to a lawyer during her interrogation and was transferred to Bukavu Central Prison, more than 45 km away from her home. She was pushed into solitary confinement and could not even keep in contact, let alone see, her family. Her eight other children were left motherless, and all responsibilities now burdened her husband.

Police burst into Grace’s home – they searched everywhere, but did not find any stolen items. Despite the absence of any evidence, they threw her into their car and took her straight to the police station. She was denied access to a lawyer during her interrogation and was transferred to Bukavu Central Prison, more than 45 km away from her home. She was pushed into solitary confinement and could not even keep in contact, let alone see, her family. Her eight other children were left motherless, and all responsibilities now burdened her husband.

Frightened and alone, she gave birth in the most horrific and unsanitary conditions imaginable. Miraculously, both she and the baby survived.

Frightened and alone, she gave birth in the most horrific and unsanitary conditions imaginable. Miraculously, both she and the baby survived.

She was forgotten for 6 months in that cell, all the while keeping her new-born alive. While she was in prison, she discovered that her husband, the sole caregiver for her other children, had died unexpectedly. Her other children were orphaned and Grace was helpless to be able to support or care for them after their father’s death. She was also prohibited from attending his funeral.

She was forgotten for 6 months in that cell, all the while keeping her new-born alive. While she was in prison, she discovered that her husband, the sole caregiver for her other children, had died unexpectedly. Her other children were orphaned and Grace was helpless to be able to support or care for them after their father’s death. She was also prohibited from attending his funeral.

When IBJ learned about Grace’s story, we immediately took action. The DRCBJ lawyers learned that, because of the false testimony of the young boy, she had been charged with a crime punishable by death. DRCBJ’s lawyer won the case, demonstrating Grace’s innocence and the injustice of her conviction.

When IBJ learned about Grace’s story, we immediately took action. The DRCBJ lawyers learned that, because of the false testimony of the young boy, she had been charged with a crime punishable by death. DRCBJ’s lawyer won the case, demonstrating Grace’s innocence and the injustice of her conviction.

]]> Advancing Access to Justice in Tunisia http://www.ibj.org/2023/04/advancing-access-to-justice-in-tunisia/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:51:21 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=37856

IBJ's Access to Justice initiative in Tunisia supported by The United Nations Democracy Fund

IBJ's Access to Justice initiative in Tunisia supported by The United Nations Democracy Fund​

Geneva, Switzerland – 23 March 2023 – IBJ is proud to announce its new project in Tunisia, funded by The United Nations Democracy Fund. The project, which commenced on 1 March 2023, will expand over 24 months. "Advancing Access to Justice Tunisia" (AAJT) will increase the capacity of lawyers to defend vulnerable communities in Tunisia, enhance respect for justice, ensure early access to justice, and increase Tunisian awareness of their rights under national and international law.

Geneva, Switzerland – 23 March 2023 – IBJ is proud to announce its new project in Tunisia, funded by The United Nations Democracy Fund. The project, which commenced on 1 March 2023, will expand over 24 months. "Advancing Access to Justice Tunisia" (AAJT) will increase the capacity of lawyers to defend vulnerable communities in Tunisia, enhance respect for justice, ensure early access to justice, and increase Tunisian awareness of their rights under national and international law.

Tunisia’s criminal justice system is plagued by excessive and abusive pre-trial detention, prison over-capacity, deficiencies in legal training, and insufficient legal rights awareness. While there have been some attempts to improve the system, meaningful change remains distant as criminal justice reform continues to be a low priority for the government. Tunisian law stipulates that accused individuals have the right to consult a lawyer starting at the police custody phase. This has, however, not been effective with the law being inadequately implemented. Between June 2016 and May 2017, only 22% of accused detainees were able to exercise their right to a defender. Furthermore, in 2021, 54.9% of the prison population in Tunisia were estimated to be pre-trial detainees. Pre-trial detainees face increased risk of torture, sexual assault, and health issues.

Tunisia’s criminal justice system is plagued by excessive and abusive pre-trial detention, prison over-capacity, deficiencies in legal training, and insufficient legal rights awareness. While there have been some attempts to improve the system, meaningful change remains distant as criminal justice reform continues to be a low priority for the government. Tunisian law stipulates that accused individuals have the right to consult a lawyer starting at the police custody phase. This has, however, not been effective with the law being inadequately implemented. Between June 2016 and May 2017, only 22% of accused detainees were able to exercise their right to a defender. Furthermore, in 2021, 54.9% of the prison population in Tunisia were estimated to be pre-trial detainees. Pre-trial detainees face increased risk of torture, sexual assault, and health issues.

To strengthen the criminal justice system and to advance access to justice in Tunisia, AAJT will leverage technology and provide access to competent legal representation through the training of lawyers and defenders and building their capacity to effectively safeguard and advance the human rights of those in the criminal justice system. In collaboration with the Tunisian Bar Association and the Tunisia Association of Young Lawyers, IBJ will implement a training and capacity building program for criminal defense lawyers, develop a legal services smartphone app to connect lawyers and clients, develop and expand access to legal representation for vulnerable detainees, and found public legal rights awareness campaign via radio and social media. The project will train 120 lawyers in criminal defense, reaching 250 detainees with competent legal services. Overall, the project expects to impact over 500,000 individuals with legal rights awareness campaigns. AAJT activities will contribute to long-term systemic change of Tunisia’s criminal justice system.

To strengthen the criminal justice system and to advance access to justice in Tunisia, AAJT will leverage technology and provide access to competent legal representation through the training of lawyers and defenders and building their capacity to effectively safeguard and advance the human rights of those in the criminal justice system. In collaboration with the Tunisian Bar Association and the Tunisia Association of Young Lawyers, IBJ will implement a training and capacity building program for criminal defense lawyers, develop a legal services smartphone app to connect lawyers and clients, develop and expand access to legal representation for vulnerable detainees, and found public legal rights awareness campaign via radio and social media. The project will train 120 lawyers in criminal defense, reaching 250 detainees with competent legal services. Overall, the project expects to impact over 500,000 individuals with legal rights awareness campaigns. AAJT activities will contribute to long-term systemic change of Tunisia’s criminal justice system.

UNDEF was created by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world. UNDEF funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations, both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization.

UNDEF was created by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world. UNDEF funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations, both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization.

In recognition of the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary individuals in developing countries. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all individuals the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial.

In recognition of the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary individuals in developing countries. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all individuals the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial.

For further information, please contact (media requests): International Bridges to Justice Sanjeewa Sliyanage International Program Director Phone: +41(0) 22 731 24 41 Email: sliyanage@ibj.org

For further information, please contact (media requests):
International Bridges to Justice Sanjeewa Sliyanage International Program Director Phone: +41(0) 22 731 24 41 Email: sliyanage@ibj.org

]]> JusticeMakers help free Syrian Journalist http://www.ibj.org/2023/02/justicemakers-help-free-syrian-journalist/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:28:20 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=37734

JusticeMakers help free Syrian Journalist

JusticeMakers help free Syrian Journalist

Safa is a young Syrian journalist living in Turkey, where she, her father and siblings currently reside after fleeing the persecution they faced in their old home of Deir ez-Zor, Syria. Now settled in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa, Safa works with local associations and Syrian newspapers to provide her community with reliable, accurate information about the ongoing civil war.

Safa is a young Syrian journalist living in Turkey, where she, her father and siblings currently reside after fleeing the persecution they faced in their old home of Deir ez-Zor, Syria. Now settled in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa, Safa works with local associations and Syrian newspapers to provide her community with reliable, accurate information about the ongoing civil war.

A supporter of Syrian president Bachar al-Assad contacted Safa on Facebook upon discovering her work. Shortly afterwards, Safa was charged with threatening and insulting this pro-Assad supporter on social media. She was arrested alongside three of friends who were charged with the same crime.

A supporter of Syrian president Bachar al-Assad contacted Safa on Facebook upon discovering her work. Shortly afterwards, Safa was charged with threatening and insulting this pro-Assad supporter on social media. She was arrested alongside three of friends who were charged with the same crime.

Safa knew of the International Bridges to Justice’s JusticeMakers program and contacted them while in police custody. JusticeMaker Fellow Esra Yurum came to her aid. She helped explain to the police that the claims made against Safa were falsified; as well as provide authorities with evidence proving the innocence of her client. Thanks to Esra’s legal assistance, Safa, as well as two of her friends were released the day of their arrest.

Safa knew of the International Bridges to Justice’s JusticeMakers program and contacted them while in police custody. JusticeMaker Fellow Esra Yurum came to her aid. She helped explain to the police that the claims made against Safa were falsified; as well as provide authorities with evidence proving the innocence of her client. Thanks to Esra’s legal assistance, Safa, as well as two of her friends were released the day of their arrest.

Free once more, Safa aims to continue her work as a journalist and will interview Esra in order to raise awareness for the JusticeMakers. With Safa’s influence and the hard work of the many lawyers in the program, Justice makers will be able to reach more Syrian refugees in Turkey and provide them with free legal aid.

Free once more, Safa aims to continue her work as a journalist and will interview Esra in order to raise awareness for the JusticeMakers. With Safa’s influence and the hard work of the many lawyers in the program, Justice makers will be able to reach more Syrian refugees in Turkey and provide them with free legal aid.

]]> 28 wrongfully detained prisoners in the DRC freed http://www.ibj.org/2022/11/young-boy-finds-justice-after-being-detained-without-legal-representation-2-2-2/ Thu, 17 Nov 2022 13:11:46 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=33765

IBJ helps free 28 wrongfully detained prisoners in Democratic Republic of Congo

IBJ helps free 28 wrongfully detained prisoners in Democratic Republic of Congo

Imprisonment can be life-threatening in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prisons are often overcrowded with many reaching over 200 per cent over capacity. As a result, detainees are faced with food shortages, neglected sanitation systems, and widespread violence.

Imprisonment can be life-threatening in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prisons are often overcrowded with many reaching over 200 per cent over capacity. As a result, detainees are faced with food shortages, neglected sanitation systems, and widespread violence.

In the past few months, Democratic Republic of Congo Bridges to Justice lawyers traveled to prisons in rural areas, far away from the main courts. During the visits to these rural prisons, our lawyers found 16 people who were illegally detained, including 4 women, 10 men, and 2 children. Most of them did not even know why they had been arrested. While law in the Democratic Republic of Congo prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, state security forces routinely arrest and detain citizens without giving reason. Detainees who cannot pay for a lawyer are rarely able to access legal counsel. Moreover, it is estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of the prison population is in pre-trial detention. Our lawyers took on the cases of these 16 people and obtained their release. They are now reunited with their families.

In the past few months, Democratic Republic of Congo Bridges to Justice lawyers traveled to prisons in rural areas, far away from the main courts. During the visits to these rural prisons, our lawyers found 16 people who were illegally detained, including 4 women, 10 men, and 2 children. Most of them did not even know why they had been arrested. While law in the Democratic Republic of Congo prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, state security forces routinely arrest and detain citizens without giving reason. Detainees who cannot pay for a lawyer are rarely able to access legal counsel. Moreover, it is estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of the prison population is in pre-trial detention. Our lawyers took on the cases of these 16 people and obtained their release. They are now reunited with their families.

Our lawyers' work was not done. During the same period, they traveled to Kalehe Central Prison to inform prisoners on their rights while detained. 58 people - 44 men, 8 children and 6 women (two of whom were pregnant) - attended the awareness session. While it is protocol for authorities to inform those arrested of their rights and the reason for their arrest, security officials routinely violate these requirements. Our lawyers inform detainees that they have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and that being imprisoned does not negate their basic human rights. Knowing the essential elements of their legal rights empowers prisoners to better defend themselves while incarcerated.

Our lawyers' work was not done. During the same period, they traveled to Kalehe Central Prison to inform prisoners on their rights while detained. 58 people - 44 men, 8 children and 6 women (two of whom were pregnant) - attended the awareness session. While it is protocol for authorities to inform those arrested of their rights and the reason for their arrest, security officials routinely violate these requirements. Our lawyers inform detainees that they have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and that being imprisoned does not negate their basic human rights. Knowing the essential elements of their legal rights empowers prisoners to better defend themselves while incarcerated.

After the session, 20 prisoners immediately requested aid from the DRCBJ lawyers for their case. Without delay, our lawyers retrieved their documents from the courts, and requested further review. They were able to prove that 12 of the prisoners were illegally detained, and obtained their release.

After the session, 20 prisoners immediately requested aid from the DRCBJ lawyers for their case. Without delay, our lawyers retrieved their documents from the courts, and requested further review. They were able to prove that 12 of the prisoners were illegally detained, and obtained their release.

These are just a couple of examples of IBJ's transformative work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of the country's citizens remain trapped in broken prison systems, often suffering harsh conditions, including torture. Our work spans across the globe and is pivotal in transforming how prisoners are treated while detained. Join us as we transform the justice system to be fair for every man, woman and child in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With your support, International Bridges to Justice can continue to shine light in places where all seems dark and hopeless. Where there is a defender, there is hope.

These are just a couple of examples of IBJ's transformative work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of the country's citizens remain trapped in broken prison systems, often suffering harsh conditions, including torture. Our work spans across the globe and is pivotal in transforming how prisoners are treated while detained. Join us as we transform the justice system to be fair for every man, woman and child in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With your support, International Bridges to Justice can continue to shine light in places where all seems dark and hopeless. Where there is a defender, there is hope.

]]> Torture Victim Falsely Accused of Theft is Released after Receiving Counsel from DRCBJ http://www.ibj.org/2022/07/2022-07-torture-victim-falsely-accused-of-theft-is-released-after-receiving-counsel-from-drcbj/ Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:37:59 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?page_id=32429

Success Story:
Torture Victim Falsely Accused of Theft is Released after Receiving Counsel from DRCBJ

IBJ’s work in the DRC started in 2016, with the opening of a Defender Resource Center in Bukavu, in the province of South-Kivu. This center acts as the hub for DRCBJ’s activities, which include providing legal aid to the vulnerable accused, training defense lawyers, conducting rights awareness campaigns and monitoring and visiting detention centers.

David's Story:

 

On March 26th, David was taking a walk when a victim nearby had his phone stolen. David happened to be walking next to the thieves and was considered guilty by association. 

 

After being detained and arrested, David was taken in for questioning by the police. During the interrogation, the officers slapped David in an attempt to get him to confess– an action that constitutes torture. David was detained and questioned for over 48 hours without being charged with a crime – an act that violates the DRC Constitution.

Screen Shot 2022-07-11 at 9.56.04 AM

DRCBJ took on David’s case 3 days after his detention and immediately provided him with legal representation. The lawyer requested his release and was met with backlash from the police officer handling David’s case. The officer on the case demanded fines or, failing that, he wanted to transfer the case to the prosecutor’s office. 

In response, DRCBJ negotiated a significant reduction in David’s fine. David’s case was closed, and he was released, 72 hours after his arrest.

 

 

(Translated by Talia Kende, Edited by Monique Nikolov)

]]> Cambodia Bridges to Justice: Access to Justice winner of the 2022 World Justice Challenge http://www.ibj.org/2022/06/access-to-justice-winner-of-the-2022-world-justice-challenge/ Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:13:16 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=31865

 

On 2 June 2022, Cambodia Bridges to Justice (CBJ) was awarded the Access to Justice Prize for its high-impact work in Cambodia’s Courts of Appeal at the World Justice Forum. 

The World Justice Forum is the premier international event for the rule of law. As part of the Forum, the World Justice Challenge is a global competition to identify, recognise and promote good practice and high-impact projects that protect and advance the rule of law. Selected from a pool of 305 applicants from 118 countries, CBJ was invited to showcase its project, Championing Access to Justice: Improving Cambodia’s Courts of Appeal system at the Forum. At the Closing Plenary of the World Justice Forum, the winners of the Challenge were announced and CBJ was awarded the prize for Access to Justice. 

“It is an honour to be awarded the Access to Justice prize. This has been an important platform that has helped us tell our story and the story of access to justice in Cambodia. I am proud of our dedicated team working in difficult circumstances providing legal aid for people suffering real injustice.” – Mr Ouk Vandeth, Country Director, Cambodia Bridges to Justice  

Cambodia’s criminal justice system and institutions were destroyed in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime and the subsequent civil war. Most of the country’s legal workforce was eradicated. While progress has been made, Cambodia still lacks a fully functioning legal and judicial system. The prison system is severely overcrowded at an average occupancy rate of over 300% and around 30% of people in detention are waiting for their appeal. CBJ is the only legal aid organization working to provide support to Cambodians accused of a crime in the Courts of Appeal. 

 

The Cambodian appeals process is riddled with problems and people are often deprived of due process within a reasonable time. Lengthy delays in access to justice are the result of a large number of cases and low number of judges, prosecutors and lawyers. Poor governance processes exacerbate these challenges. 

CBJ began its Appeals Court project in 2012. It works on a triage basis, targeting high-priority injustices, while addressing broader systemic access to justice challenges. To date, the project has provided legal support to over 650 people on appeal. More broadly the project works to decrease torture, reduce caseloads, and alleviate overcrowding. 

“We work to build trust and strong partnerships with people, the community and justice stakeholders to ensure sustainability and allow the rule of law to really be weaved into the fabric of society.”  – Kate Flower, Senior Program Manager

As the best-in-class initiative for Access to Justice, the award is a powerful recognition of the importance of defending people in the most vulnerable places. Please contact Kate Flower, Senior Program Manager at kflower@ibj.org if you would like to know more about the project or our work in Cambodia.

By Carmen Hansen

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