Name of project
Starting date
2007
Main objective
The objects of the Association as enshrined in its constitution, are to:• Maintain and promote the Rule of Law throughout the SADC Region and to promote human rights, including the rights of people with disabilities, women and children; • Work with, support and complement the work of the African Bar Association, International Bar Association, The Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association and other international organisations with similar objects. • Ensure that the people of the SADC Region are served by an independent and efficient legal profession; • Ensure that a common bond of co-operation within the Region is preserved and fostered by strengthening of professional links between members of the legal profession and to enhance their interests; • Promote the honour, integrity of the profession and uniformity in standards of professional ethics; • Encourage the improvement of standards of legal education and the promotion of exchange of legal expertise and institute exchange programmes for lawyers and students; • Encourage the harmonization of the legal systems of the Region; • Facilitate and increase the flow of professional information between Law Societies and Bar Associations of the Region on developments relevant to the organisation and servicing of the practising legal profession; • Hold regular Regional Law Conferences, open to all branches of the legal profession throughout the Region, and promote as wide an attendance thereat as is practicable; • Respond as appropriate to ad hoc requests for information and assistance received from Law Societies and Bar Associations within the Region; • Provide support for Law Societies, Bar Associations and other appropriate organisations and legal professional associations concerned with matters of common interest; • Generally to do all that is necessary to further the interests of the legal profession throughout the Region with a view to improving the legal services available to and provided for the public; • To facilitate conflict resolution amongst countries, organisations and individuals within the Region by way of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution
The SADC LA activities are as follows:• Rule of Law and Human Rights• Harmonisation of laws• Legal Education• Development of Code of Ethics for Lawyers• Making public announcements on human rights violations• Establishment of a formal structure for Bar and Law Societies Executive Directors• Establishment of a Directory of Lawyers in the SADC region
Amount contributed
3 000 000 SEK (2007-2009)
Results
General information
The SADC Lawyers Association (SADC LA) is an independent voluntary association made up of Law Societies and Bar Associations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It has been in operation since August 1999. Its vision is upholding human rights, the respect for the rule of law, promoting and supporting the independence of the judiciary and protection of fundamental liberties especially for the underprivileged and minority groups. SADC LA’s conviction is to work closely with other international organisations, in the legal profession to help influence politicians and decision makers in Southern Africa in order to bring about a just society based on the principles of equal opportunity, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary as a prerequisite for democracy and good governance. These principles are inextricably linked to economic and social well being of any society. The SADC LA’s intention is to take a leading role in advocating for the fundamental liberties thereby ensuring that human rights as enshrined in the constitutions and the regional and international human rights instruments are respected protected and promoted throughout the region.