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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

Fighting for the rights of mothers with postpartum depression.

Rose, like many mothers across the world, experienced depression. With a lack of medical care, she was treated unfairly by the law. Thanks to our work, she is reunited with her daughter.

From death row to presidential palaces. One woman’s incredible fight for justice.

Having graduated with a law degree while incarcerated, Susan now travels the world campaigning against the death sentence.

“My 13-year imprisonment was a setup. They never wanted us to get married.”

Despite having the paperwork to prove Emily’s age and his innocence, Simon was convicted of aggravated defilement. No court would hear his appeal, so Simon spent 13 years in prison for a crime he, and Emily, says he didn’t commit. 

Punitive sentencing for petty offences; vestiges of colonial times.

In East Africa young people are persistently caught up in drug trafficking, loitering and pickpocketing charges, resulting in long periods in prison. Here Draconian laws still apply, yet to be reviewed for the 21st Century. So laws often criminalise and marginalise the people with least in society.

The law: Enforcing it, breaking it, studying it. One man's journey

When he used to work as a police officer, Gilbert would take people to prison with little thought about fair trials or sentencing. Until he found himself in conflict with the law he once administered. 

What's the impact of a university degree, if you still have many years left in prison?

Degrees mean extra responsibilities. Four students and graduates in Kenya and Uganda have been promoted to the highly trusted position of 'trusteeship'.

Reconciliation of self and community

Amateur chef Pepe Ivan Matovu recalls how he found hope, healing and restoration in one of Uganda’s most populous prisons.

Adapting to the pandemic: Reconnecting people in prisons with their loved ones.

For people in prison, visits from family used to offer a moment of reassurance. Connection with the outside world. But during the Covid-19 pandemic, visitations are paused. Isolating many from those they love. Until recently. We’ve worked to repurpose our technology and reconnect families in Kenya.

“You are successful when you remember that somewhere, someone gave you a gift.”

Sentenced to death for robbery, Joyce tried not to let her sentence define her. While in prison, she found a new love for making clothes.