Our Portfolio
Action 1
Legal Aid and Representation
Action 2
Training and Capacity Building
Action 3
Advocacy and Policy Reform
Action 4
Community Outreach
The Human Face in the Administration of Justice
Whom we assist
Suspects at Police
To increase access to justice for suspects in police stations
Court Users
Create awareness of court processes for inmates, suspects and the public
Inmates in Prison
To increase access to justice for detainees charged with petty offences
Local Communities
To increase access to justice for the local communities through legal volunteers and paralegals
Juveniles
Advocating for the increase of access to justice for juveniles in the remand homes
Women in Prison
To increase access to justice for women charged and detained for petty offences
Our Service Partners
Community Interventions by Paralegals
Paralegal teams have access to the local communities where most of the cases stem, they offer basic legal assistance such as mediation and help in dispute resolution.
Prison Remand Population at 2017
%
District Coverage
+
Prisons Coverage
Prison Population
Mode of operations
Paralegal Advisory Services works with the major criminal justice institutions including Police, DPP’s offices, Magistrates’ Courts, High Court and Prisons on a daily basis. Our participation at the District Coordination Committees as well as close support to and from other legal aid service providers and advocates in the respective districts has helped to lubricate the due process and promote expeditious delivery of services.
Improving access to justice for these groups requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal education, respectful treatment, and the adaptation of systems to meet their specific needs. By focusing on these areas, we can create a more equitable legal environment for all individuals involved.
By implementing PAS inhouse strategies, justice institutions can significantly enhance their accountability to JLOS criminal justice standards. This not only improves the effectiveness of the justice system but also fosters public trust and confidence in its operations.
PAS implements inhouse strategies in the communities and by this we can significantly enhance access to justice in civil disputes within selected districts. This multifaceted approach not only addresses immediate legal needs but also fosters a culture of legal awareness and empowerment among community members.
A sustainable and cost-effective mechanism for legal advice and assistance to criminal justice detainees can be achieved by combining community paralegals, legal aid clinics, and digital platforms. This approach leverages technology, partnerships with NGOs, and government support to provide legal information, advice, and representation to detainees, ensuring their rights are protected and they have access to a fair justice system.
Real Stories
The Bright Side Of Life Always Comes
…..The Complainant stopped and instead of taking these boys to the nearby police post or LC office, decided to put them in the same vehicle and drove with them to Arua Central Police Station about 20kms. PAS team contacted the LC III chairperson of Oriama Sub county, Hon. Itrima Lonzino via telephone. He turned up the next day and the three boys were handed to him and he rode with them on his Motorcycle and took them to their parents.
Making Justice Systems Responsive
The PAS team followed up the file of an inmate Stella charged with the offence of attempted murder and not was not attending court. In the follow up, it was found out that a warrant of arrest was issued due to her nonappearance in court yet she was on remand in Arua female prison. After perusal through her file, the next date of court appearance was fixed i.e. 07/03/2014.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
On the 26th November, 2014 during the suspect parade in Arua, suspects expressed interest to meet the complainant so that they could “talk”. The Investigating Officer (IO) Mr. Onzima was informed and he contacted the complainant, paralegals talked to him and he accepted meeting the suspects. The IO handed the two parties to the paralegals for the dispute resolution. After a 2 hours mediation, the two amicably agreed to resolve the matter and the suspects paid for the cow. The IO was informed who then went ahead to inform the O C CID and the case was withdrawn.