PASUNE Secretariat C/o Legal Resources Foundation Trust Hurlingham, Lenana Road Nairobi Hello Team mates, below are.. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED! What is PASUNE? This is a coalition of civil society organizations undertaking paralegal training activities as a means of enhancing access to justice. PASUNE was formed in the year 2000 and its membership is made up of more than twenty organizations. Presently, the Secretariat of PASUNE is hosted by Legal Resources Foundation Trust (LRF) which is situated along Lenana Road, Hurlingham, Nairobi. Who is a Paralegal? This is a community based person trained in practical legal,advice giving ,administrative and community education skills, whose role is to serve and be accountable to the communities that he or she is working in. Paralegals respond to the communities need for legal information and other developmental needs through community sensitisation and advocacy. Why the need for community paralegals? In Kenya, there are a number of factors that make it difficult for people, mainly the poor, vulnerable and marginalised groups in society to access legal aid and hense acces justice which is a pillar of the kenyan constitution. This is because of the high levels of poverty that renders most people unable to meet the fees charged by practicing lawyers. Secondly, inaccesibility of legal services to the average person due to distance or communication problems. additionally, shortage of lawyers (it is estimated there are about ten thousand trained lawyers against a huge demand) especially in the rural and ignorant communities among many others. Justification Community Paralegals are community based and are as such easily accessible and provide basic legal legal information that assists communities make informed decisions to their legal problems. Their training in commmunity development helps their communities in spearheading advocacy agendas with the holders of power. It is important to note from the outset that the new constitution demands people’s participation in governance processes. Community Paralegals are best placed to empower and build their capacity in order to be able to effectively and meanigfully participate in such processes. The road ahead Paralegals who have been trained and are working in the Kenyan courts enjoy recognition by the judiciary in assisting judicial officials in the administration of justice. However, the proposed Legal Aid Bill 2013 is yet to adopt proposals to formally recognize community paralegals as part of the legal system in Kenya. That is where we are. Give this campaign a stamp of approval to make this a reality. Say Yes to justic for all! Now You Know! Donge!
Posted on: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:55:18 +0000
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