Latest News

HMP Coldingley Workshop (Secondment 2019)

Our Secondees - - gathered with prisoners, prison staff, magistrates, APP staff and volunteers to share their views and experience during a recent Workshop at HMP Coldingley.

Our Work with Children in Uganda

Last week the Legal Aid Clinic in Luzira Maximum Security Prison scored another triumph when it helped secure the release of several juveniles from incarceration within that facility.

Graduates: Alex Dimba and Isaac Kimaru - Prison Students Empowered by the Law

“Justice is not meant only for those with money - it should be given to everyone”

Release: William Okumu

“I have realised that my dreams are bigger than my fears.” William Okumu

Most of the world’s population have no access to basic justice. But the fix is easier than you think

Growing evidence shows more expenditure on people-centred justice delivers a high return on investment, while unresolved legal problems put huge strain on the economy - Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland.

Providing Legal Awareness Through Mock Trials

Mock trials provide prisoners with perhaps their first look at a courtroom, what might be expected of them when they stand trial or make an appeal, and how a Judge might respond to their case.

There are Alternatives to Criminal Prosecution for the Justice System

“Is it not more effective to take a drug addict to a rehabilitation facility instead of prison? “ Muthuri Kathure.

Graduate: George Karaba

“At my age, studying law feels like a challenge to push harder. I have realised that learning is a continuous process, it is never too late to learn,” George Karaba.

A Day to Celebrate: International Women’s Day at Luzira Women’s Prison - Uganda

15th March 2019 will always remain a day to remember for the inmates of Luzira Women’s Prison as they had time to sing, dance, take part in sports and drama, all commemorating International Women’s Day 2019

A Vision for Justice Through Eyes that Have Cried: Strategic Litigation from the Margins

Challenging parliament to improve sentencing guidelines for people with mental health conditions in Uganda

Access to justice is a fundamental human right and a critical mechanism to combat a wide range of human rights violations. Yet, in Uganda, countless individuals who lack the means to secure legal representation face an uncertain future.

“I always looked forward to proving society wrong.”

Meet Phionah. She is part of our unlikely community. Her commitment to justice led her to serve clients alongside fellow paralegals, both incarcerated women and prison officers.

Expanding outside of prisons. Disrupting the poverty-to-prison pipeline in Nairobi.

The lack of meaningful access to justice impacts nearly two of every three people worldwide. The cost is greatest for those with the least. Our first-ever legal office, based outside of a prison, is a game-changer.

Poem: A call to bridge the path towards justice.

A message of hope in Uganda from Alex Byamukama.

A day in the life of a Justice Defenders Legal Officer: Kenneth Kugonza in Uganda

Kenneth Kugoza works in mid-central Uganda, helping those facing injustice. He shares how he spends his day across multiple prisons.

Allyship beyond perceived differences.

Three prison officers overcome perceived differences in service of those in prison. This unique show of solidarity is truly what makes the fabric of our community a unique tapestry of allies.

Reforming the Sexual Offences Act: securing proportionate sentencing.

Success as Justice Defenders paralegals ensure judges are able to use their discretion to sentence people convicted of sexual offences.

The unlikely activists. Reforming the criminal justice system from behind prison bars.

Success as Justice Defenders paralegals secure rights for suspects with mental disabilities.