Too often, People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) suffer discrimination, are forced to accept treatment, marginalized and harmed by approaches which over-emphasize criminalization and punishment while under-emphasizing harm reduction, respect for human rights and access to justice. Access to legal services is an important part of guaranteeing protection from discrimination, getting redress for human rights violations and expanding access to HIV treatment and prevention interventions in Kenya.
The Firm currently seeks to spread the knowledge about harm reduction interventions in the context of HIV and strengthen the capacity of young advocates to provide client-centred legal services to populations accessing these services in Kenya. The objective of the project is to bring on board a pool of young passionate advocates sensitized on matters relating to PWUDs and able to offer pro bono time to work with community paralegals in availing community-based legal services.
You will participate in an e-learning platform to access relevant information and resources on harm reduction interventions for substance dependency and the legal framework relating to drug control in Kenya. You will engage with affected communities to understand this population and their legal needs and eventually be able to volunteer pro bono time to work with paralegals in these communities to address legal needs that arise. It is our hope that this collaboration will leverage our time and skills as a useful resource in availing specialized legal services to non-profits and the communities they serve, as well as offer technical support to legislatures and policy makers on drug control.
We are targeting young enthusiastic and progressive legal professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 years who genuinely want to use their legal skills and training to make a difference in the lives of legally underserved populations in Kenya. Newly admitted as well as mid-career advocates, whether in employment or engaged in their own practice can apply as long as they are willing to offer pro bono time to work with communities. Advocates practicing or having an interest in criminal law are particularly encouraged to apply.
"We believe in doing well by doing good. Through our work we can make the world a better place by availing much needed legal services to the socially and economically disadvantaged.”
Joanne Comfort,
Associate, Katindi & Company Advocates
Complete the online application form available here. (Deadline is 9th September 2019) Or volunteer.