Interview with Bembem: A portrait of the Accused in Brazil
I needed money. A drug dealer wanted me to teach his dog how to bite. He paid me in cash. And so I did it. But the dog didn’t want to learn, it was...
Writing the eLearning Cambodia Hypothetical
I’ve been working for the past few weeks on eLearning Cambodia, part of the JusticeMakers project. It’s been an interesting and informative project — I have had to read the entire Code of Criminal...
Perspectives on crime, education and a fairer legal system in Brazil
Above: Judge Dalton Soares, respected for his efficiency and service record, discusses the merits and distortions of Brazil’s legal system. Soares works in Divinopolis at Forum, a civil and criminal courthouse. 2008 JusticeMaker Aziz...
Typewriter
“Typewriter, teep, teep, teep, teep, kartha hai. Zhindagi-ki haar gahani liktha hai.” “Typewriter, goes teep, teep, teep, teep. It writes all of lifes stories.” – From Merchant Ivory’s 1970 Film “Bombay Talkie” as sung...
Matatu
A matatu stopped outside Lodwar to reshuffle passengers. Photo by Ian MacLellan I can just make out the peeling yellow letters painted on the Matatu sitting next to us in traffic – We Don’t...
Contradictions & Opportunities in Brazil’s Legal System: Advice for IBJ from São Paulo’s leading Prosecutor, Roberto Tardelli
(Photo by Michelle Ferng) (Photo by Michelle Ferng) Above: Street scenes in Sao Paulo, Brazil, depicting the various ways in which those struggling at the margins of society cope with their realities. Sao Paulo, one...
In Nepal, a small meeting brings hope
This past week, a small meeting of families that have suffered disappearances of loved ones during Nepal’s armed conflict was held in Chitwan district. About 20 people from Nawalparasi and Rupandehi districts were in...
For Nepali activists, travel is a significant challenge
One significant challenge to activism in Nepal is the simple act of getting from one place to another, something many of us take for granted. Whether attending a meeting or speaking with people in...
JusticeMakers Team Visits Swazi Traditional Courts
“Seven months in prison or 240 Emalangeni fine.” Ndumiso Dlamini, the court president who threw out Hlengiwe Msibi’s case, proclaimed the sentence in Mliba’s traditional court. Involving a fight between romantic rivals, assault with...
New Prisoner Orientation in Manila Jail
In Manila, new prisoners very rarely know their rights. Years of their lives are being determined by a system that they don’t fully understand. Because of this, the JusticeMakers in Manila make a point...