The LRF gathers evidence from its interventions and uses the information and data to engage with appropriate stakeholders in the justice delivery sector to advocate for law and policy reform. While we prioritise dialogue, we also use public interest litigation and publicity campaigns to promote a human rights culture and the importance of observing the rule of law.
We utilise different methods to contribute to an enabling environment where democratic rights are claimed by an informed public that demands the protection and enforcement of constitutional and human rights.
The LRF conducts evidence-based advocacy focusing primarily on access to justice and human rights issues. We conduct research on key access to justice and human rights issues to support our advocacy work. The research findings are used to develop position papers and policy papers for engagement with policy makers.
The LRF has conducted various researches on key issues in Zimbabwe including:
Our objective in taking up strategic litigation is to achieve broader systemic change in Zimbabwe. Through strategic litigation, we contribute to socio-economic and political reforms. The cases taken up create change by impacting on the law, policy and practice. The cases also publicly expose injustice and raise awareness for broader change. At national level, we contribute to Zimbabwe’s jurisprudence. Individual claims when pursued effectively, can have a broad legal and political impact regardless of the outcome of the case. Strategic litigation has the potential to bring about legislative reform and increased awareness of an issue that may lead to long-term change.
We litigate on public interest cases through in-house lawyers as well as through instructing advocates. We identify cases relating to gaps in policies and laws which affect vulnerable groups. We also identify cases focusing on advancing fundamental human rights and litigate to protect the rights of individuals and communities.
We are bringing together all partners working on access to justice under Access to Justice Working Group as a way of coordinating access to justice advocacy initiatives. We have noted that current initiatives are fragmented and there is need to have a coordinated approach to all advocacy initiatives.
We conduct policy dialogues annually on issues arising from researches which would have been conducted.
Advocacy campaigns are conducted on key access to justice issues identified combining them with other international commemorations such as The Day of the African Child, Human Rights Day and 16 Days of Activism against GBV. The campaigns are carried out through dialogues, radio programmes and exhibitions.
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