LHRC empowers paralegals on the newly passed Legal Aid Act 2017

LHRC has on June 20 to 21, 2018 organized a two days event in Dar es Salaam to bring together more than 100 paralegals from various districts in Tanzania to empower them on legal and human rights issues as well as get feedback from the group on civic space in their respective communities. Through the symposium, paralegals were empowered on the newly passed Legal Aid Act 2017 for them to understand the regulations and how to make use of the law in enhancing legal aid provision at the community level.

Moreover, during the symposium, paralegals were empowered on legal frameworks related to public participation including legal framework on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly to be able to track issues of public participation in their communities and advance public awareness on the same. During the symposium paralegals also had an opportunity to honour the LHRC retiring Executive Director, Dr Helen Kijo-Bisimba and welcome her successor Ms Anna Henga.

Legal and Human Rights Centre has contributed to both establishments of community-based paralegals in all districts of Tanzania mainland and advocate for their legal recognition. Paralegals are community-based advocates who provide legal assistance to the needy and help in promoting human rights awareness to the general public for enhanced access to justice to every Tanzanian.