FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to our latest e-bulletin

   

Pamela R Kovacs

Law Society of Saskatchewan, Regina

Publication and Newsletter Editor, IBA Pro Bono Committee​​​​​​​
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pamela.kovacs@lawsociety.sk.ca

   

Welcome to the January 2022 IBA Pro Bono Committee e-bulletin, which features four articles describing pro bono initiatives that are having a significant impact. These initiatives focus on the right to life and health and showcase how lawyers are helping protect these fundamental rights and driving accountability for crimes against humanity as well as money laundering.

Our first article explores how commercial lawyers are effectively using their unique expertise in global trade and sanctions to deliver pro bono services that support accountability for human rights violations committed by non-state actors. This is having a powerful effect on accountability for crimes against humanity directed at women. Our second article also looks at protection of women’s rights, exploring redress for the family of a woman in Brazil denied adequate maternal health care following a long legal process both domestically and internationally. Our third article highlights how legal needs relating to health are prevalent among vulnerable populations and focuses on solutions in Colombia through pro bono medical-legal partnerships. Finally, our fourth article takes us to Paraguay, identifying how non-profit organisations can benefit from pro bono legal services that support policies to register and report transactions involving suspicion of laundering assets.

Together, these articles demonstrate the commitment of lawyers and law firms around the world to both the protection of rights and helping organisations and non-profits respect and protect rights. In line with the IBA Pro Bono Declaration, legal professionals are offering advocacy and pro bono legal services for important and pressing matters.

As you hopefully stay safe and healthy, please enjoy reading these inspiring articles and with thanks to the contributors. As always, between e-bulletins, you can view our Twitter account @IBAProBono for regular pro bono news and updates or browse the IBA Pro Bono Committee webpages for resources and events.

If you haven’t already, learn more about the 2021 IBA Pro Bono Award winner or watch the awards presentation here. Do please get in touch if you have a pro bono idea or story to share.