
International » Africa » Areas of Expertise
Areas of Expertise
CLEAR provides free legal assistance across a diverse range of issues, including:
Our partners work closely with families where there has been relationship breakdown, securing maintenance and provision for children.
Self-representation training workshops for those held on remand in prison; working with adults and juveniles, seeking enforcement of laws and policy; providing legal advice and representing the most vulnerable and needy in court.
In communities where land is a lifeline, there are many disputes. CLEAR partners work closely with local communities, both with education sessions about the legal issues, and respresenting those unfairly forced from their land.
Often linked with land issues, and in an environment where traditional customs and the law may differ, our partners provide opportunities for mediation and counsel for resolving disputes over property following the death of the family head.
This covers a range of issues, both positive (right to attend school) and protective (right to live without violence or abuse). Recent education seminars have included a range of topics such as birth registration, school provision and domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Our partners have developed strong mediation skills to be able to assist clients to find workable solutions, and reduce costs. In a number of cases, the use of mediation has been very successful.
Judicial Review / Public Interest Litigation
In addition to individual cases, our partners do take on public interest cases, challenging the interpretation or application of particular pieces of legislation. Notable examples include securing ID cards for street children (who had been deprived due to a lack of birth certificate); challenging the use of mandatory death penalty; and a review of juvenile remand times.
We also work closely with other organisations in the field to improve the workings of the justice systems. Recently this included involvement in training for medical specialists called to give evidence about the mental health of the accused in death penalty cases.