The Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) works to improve access to justice and promote human rights in Zimbabwe by offering legal services. The organisation believes that facilitating access to the legal system can advance human rights in Zimbabwe, thus contributing to sustainable peace. Disadvantaged people, particularly women can be empowered to assert their rights through the legal system when they are provided with information and advice.
LRF reaches their target groups through legal education and legal services. Underprivileged people get free advice and help from lawyers and paralegals in 25 offices in 9 of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces. LRF also facilitates workshops for community leaders and teachers – who play multiplier roles in the community – and service providers such as prison officers. Through conversation cafes and community outreach, trained paralegals offer a platform for people, many in the rural areas, to talk about legal topics which affect their daily lives. This has led to a huge reduction of cases of human rights abuses in targeted areas.
On another level, the Legal Publication Unit within LRF provides substantial and practical information on about 28 different legal topics (e.g. Wills, Declaration of Rights, Birth Certificates, HIV/AIDS and the Law) in English, Shona and Ndebele. The pamphlets and flyers are distributed through workshops, offices, network partners and venues frequented by the public, such as hospitals and police stations. The unit also publishes legal textbooks, law reports and other reference titles for the legal profession. This all combines to make the LRF a major legal hub in Zimbabwe for assisting the marginalised as well as legal practitioners.
