VULNERABLE CITIZENS UTILIZE LEGAL AID TO THEIR ADVANTAGE
Thousands learning their rights and seeking justice
Rule of law is in its early stages here; and even where well-made laws exist, few Lao citizens are aware of them. In fact, data shows villagers rarely take advantage of legal resources available to them and do not know their rights. Despite these challenges, in partnership with the Lao Bar Association and the Ministry of Justice, we launched three legal aid clinics across Laos, with a thriving paralegal program made up of local volunteers that has brought legal information and free legal aid to thousands of people, in some cases dramatically changing people's lives. Mr. Neu, a coffee farmer, was badly injured in a road accident. To pay for hospital bills totaling many times his annual salary, he sold all of his possessions and borrowed from family. Later, a local paralegal suggested he come to a legal aid clinic. With professional legal help, in a total reversal the court accused the driver of manslaughter and Mr. Neu is now being properly compensated.
— SOMPHOU KEOMOUNMANY
Law Program Officer, Vientiane