Save a Lawyer for Christmas | Donate before 31 December 2018

21/12/2018

Donate to LRWC today to defend the rule of law and protect human rights advocates at risk around the world.

“Thank You. Without LRWC we would be alone and without hope.” say victims and families.

Successful developments for lawyers and other human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk during 2018 include:

  • Released from prison (61): Sudan—56, Turkey—2, Egypt—1, Viet Nam—2;
  • Acquitted (19): Thailand—15; Egypt—1, Turkey—1, Malaysia—2;
  • SCC upholds equality, non-discrimination and privacy rights of LGBTQ and others;
  • UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion finds Saudi Arabia’s arrest, detention and prosecution of Waleed Abu al-Khair, unlawful.

Written reports/submission and oral presentations still waiting results include:

  • 3 reports to UN monitoring bodies regarding rights violations and obligations in China, Viet Nam and Canada;
  • 3 reports to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) about widespread attacks on lawyers in Turkey and China;
  • Report to Canada on international law obligations to provide consular services to Canadian at risk abroad;
  • Report to BC on international law duties to ensure adequate legal aid administered by an independent body;
  • 15 oral statements to the UN Human Rights Council highlighting grave human rights issues in Azerbaijan Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, , Myanmar , Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Yemen, concerns with the UPR process, and failure of HRC members to comply with international human rights obligations.

LRWC work influences positive outcomes for HRDs in jeopardy and other victims. Although it is often not possible to know if and how LRWC work (alone and with other NGOs), contributed to a particular ‘success,’ victims and their advocates report that LRWC work is vitally important to achieving justice, providing hope and enhancing recognition and implementation of internationally protected rights.

LRWC work is exceptional thanks to the pro bono work of members, the support of donors and cooperation with NGOs around the world. In 2018 LRWC published communications in English, French, Khmer, Spanish, and Arabic.