Case: Securing a fair process

Paralegal assistance in Uganda
In 2005, Denmark together with other donors and representatives of the Ugandan justice institutions initiated the paralegal advisory system (PAS). PAS is the link between the defendants and the criminal justice system and more than 10,000 persons have been directly aided by a team of 40 paralegals operating in 6 of the 80 districts of Uganda.

Through PAS, Nantezza Margaret received help when, in 2007, she was falsely accused of the murder of her husband. Through PAS, bail was secured and a pro bono lawyer was appointed. PAS’ investigation of the husband’s death showed that he had been beaten at his workplace for unknown reasons, taken to the police where he was held for 3 days, and upon release he died at home from his injuries.

Community mediation in Nepal
In Nepal, Denmark supports the justice reform through the improved capacity of justice agencies. General access to the justice system and particularly the needs of marginalized groups are priorities of the assitance. Nationwide, med-iation centres play a great role in this work.

Successfully, one such mediation centre helped solve a dispute over land. Tenant, Sudar Tharu and landowner, Choplal Tharu had not been able to reach an agreement regarding the tenancy rights over 16 kathha of land. The long and costly trial process from Land Reform Office to Appellate Court to the Supreme Court was dragging on and the local civil society recommended mediation. Through the mediation centre the two men reached a compromise over the land to the satisfaction of both parties.

Combating domestic violence in Nicaragua
In Nicaragua, the goals of the Danish support are to improve compliance with commitments to human rights, to promote good governance and to empower dis-criminated and disadvantaged groups and individuals.
One focus area is the National Police and particularly the Women, Children and Adolescents Division (Comisarias de la Mujer, Niñez y Adolescencia).

Maria Teresa Sandoval from the impoverished area of Hialeah is herself a victim of domestic vi-olence. Based on her experience, she is now a voluntary promoter of the comisarias and she assists other women by listening to them and offering advice.

From 2006 to 2007 the number of complaints filed concerning sexual assault and domestic violence increased by 36% to 50% of the total number of complaints.

	A paralegal assists clients as a part of the Danish support to the Ugandan justice institutions. Photo: AHURIO
	In Nicaragua, the complaints on sexual assault and domestic violence makes up 50% of all complaints. In the photo,a police woman in the Women, Children and Adolescents Division assists a client.

Related article: What tools do we need to build lasting peace?
Terrorism, fragile states and human rights violations are important global issues to be faced today - and in an ever smaller world it takes a joint effort to address these challenges.