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Global Hand Washing Day

Today, 15 October, marks Global Hand Washing Day. It will be a particularly special day in the lives of the prisoners and prison officers, including their families, living in Nakifuma Prison Community. For them, hand washing was considered a luxury before the inception of the “Water for Improved Health and Hygiene” project in July, 2016.

Celebrating education in prison

As the start of a new academic year steps into full swing, once again we’re ready to kick off our legal education programme which we run in partnership with the University of London (UoL) , with many students moving up in their studies along with a new cohort of students joining the programme.

Kenyan court finds mandatory death sentence unconstitutional

The High Court in Kenya has ruled that the mandatory death sentence in relation to capital offence is unconstitutional.A petition was filed by APP law student, Wilson Kinyua, and 11 other death row prisoners serving their sentences at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, challenging conflicting sentences given to similar offences resulting in a breach of their right to be treated equally.

"In my 15 years of service, I have not heard or seen about anything like this"

"In my 15 years of service in the health sector, I have not seen or heard about anything like this. Because of APP, we are here today, in the same room with the Resident Judge for the Lango Sub Region, the Prisons Administration, the Police, Health and Local Government officials, all in one room. A multi sectoral approach is key to success..."

Justice from an unlikely place

I saw two boys standing at the main entrance of Kamiti prison as I approached the security check-out point. I’d just concluded a routine visit to some of the law students (both staff members and prisoners) that my organisation supports.As I approached the checkpoint, they broke into wide smiles. I quickly realised these smiles were not directed at me, but at Peter Ouko – the inmate walking me to the checkpoint. It was an open-day for prisoners’ families, so I assumed the smiley boys were Peter’s relatives...

Celebrating International Women's Day: Accelerating progress towards access to justice for women

Clients released during Kenya Judiciary's review of sentences

We train paralegals and lawyers within defenceless communities to provide legal services for themselves and others. In the midst of the current crisis, our justice defenders are able to continue their work amongst our communities contributing to the review process of the Kenya Judiciary to ensure equal justice for all.

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.