SGBV: Community Legal Clinics backbone of legal aid services

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SGBV: Community Legal Clinics backbone of legal aid services

By Abiodun Azi

 

 

The Executive Director of Women’s Right and Health Project (WRAHP), Bose Ironsi, says Community Legal Clinics are the backbone of legal aid services, providing aid to underprivileged and marginalised communities.

Ironsi made the assertion at a free legal aid services programme for community members in Egbe/Idimu LCDA of Lagos state on Tuesday.
The programme was organised by WRAHP in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria.

The project tagged: “Community Legal Clinic- Providing Free Legal Aid Services for Community Members in Alimosho LGA” started in January at the Alimosho and Ikotun-Igando LCDAs.

The Community Legal Clinic offered free legal aid services for 52 community members in Egbe/Idimu LCDA on Tuesday.

According to Ironsi, WRAHP plays a crucial role in ensuring access to justice for all- especially girls and women who are survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

“This clinic typically offers services such as legal representation, advice and counselling on the legal frame of SGBV, human right, employment issues, tenant and landlord issues.

“It also assists with safety planning and accessing other resources on SGBV,” she said.

Ironsi said the training, funded by Global Affairs Canada through ActionAid Nigeria, was part of the NGO’s efforts to ensure that survivors were well-informed on their rights on legal issues.

She said that the NGO would work with community structures that included artisans, market women and men, Christian and Muslim clergies and other community members.

“WRAHP is an innovative, registered nonprofit organisation with the core mission of promoting women and community health.
“This is by equipping, mobilising and actively engaging members of the community as agent of social change through information sharing, capacity building and advocacy.

“We are well aware that issues of SGBV cases are still rampant in communities in Lagos State, and it is our responsibility to ensure we follow up on our efforts to address the menace.

“Community legal clinics for SGBV survivors will play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the legal system and access justice,” she said.

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