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...
Radio Program in Phnom Penh Reaches into the Distant Provinces
On Thursday, July 9, 2009, Ouk Vandeth from IBJ and Sok Kung from Cambodia Defender’s Project (link) co-lead a radio outreach program in Phnom Penh. The program was broadcast throughout the country, with people...
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...
Committed to Reform: First Roundtable Discussion on Decongesting Zimbabwe’s Prisons a Success
On July 7, 2009, participants of IBJ-Zimbabwe‘s first official roundtable discussion spoke passionately about the role of lawyers in decongesting Zimbabwe’s prisons. The discussion was chaired by IBJ Fellow, Innocent Maja. In attendance was...
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...
Defender Profile: Rwandan Lawyer Anita Mugeni
After the genocide of 1994, approximately fifty lawyers were practicing law in Rwanda. The legal system was devastated. Today, 80% of people accused of crimes in Rwanda do not have access to a lawyer....
Rights Posters Bring Legal Awareness to Burundians Nationwide
In the spring of last year, 3000 advisement of rights posters hit the floor. Printed the year before, the posters sought to highlight the rights of accused persons should they find themselves in police...
IBJ Delivers Black Letter Law to Burundians Entrusted to Uphold It
When operating within a nascent justice system, support can come in a variety of ways. Take Olivier Niyonizigiye, a 2008 JusticeMakers Competition Finalist. He took the entire week off work to assist the...
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...