The Bar Association of Port-au-Prince, in partnership with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah) launched Tuesday the 4th phase of the project to support the creation and consolidation of the Office of Legal Assistance (BAL) in metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince, Arcahaie and Cabaret.

This project aims to ensure access to justice for the poorest and vulnerable, especially women and children, through free legal assistance.

This 4th phase will treat 1,400 new files o whom will be added 1,987 ongoing cases. 15 assistant lawyers, a coach, an assistant lawyer, 3 support staff and 720 community leaders will be trained through community fora in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, Cabaret and Arcahaie.

During the 9 months of the project period, lawyers and community leaders will organize regular visits to places of retention and detention, as well as in the courts to inquire of the needs of the poor; they will also animate radio programs on citizenship, fundamental rights and the settlement of disputes by alternative methods of conflict resolution.

This initiative, funded by the Minustah to the tune of 953.000 US dollars, will be performed by various Haitian partners including the Bar Association of Port-au-Prince, the Ministry of Justice and the Office of Citizen Protection (OPC). Its implementation will be followed by the sections on Human Rights, Jurisdictions Models, and Support to Institutions and Legislative Reform as well as Child Protection Unit and the Senior Advisor on Gender Issues.

HL/ HaitiLibre