Category: News

  • Bridging the gap between formal and informal justice mechanisms in Burundi

    Bridging the gap between formal and informal justice mechanisms in Burundi

    At the start of March, the first discussion workshop was held with ninety lawyers from the two bar associations of Burundi, selected to take part in the ASF “Menya Utunganirwe” project. The main objective was to raise awareness among the lawyers of the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Not covered as part of their…

  • Tunisia: a crucial period for transitional justice

    Tunisia: a crucial period for transitional justice

    Established in 2013 to steer the transitional justice process in Tunisia, the Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD) has begun the final year of its mandate. The first trials relating to human rights violations committed during the dictatorship will begin soon in special courts. At this crucial time, ASF co-organised a national conference last week: “The…

  • Human rights are good for your health: run the Brussels 20 km with ASF

    Human rights are good for your health: run the Brussels 20 km with ASF

    On 27 May 2018, ASF will be on the starting line of the Brussels 20 km. Want to combine sporting achievement and solidarity with people seeking justice in Indonesia? Join our team! We will spoil you before, during, and after the race.

  • Human rights defenders: indispensable agents of democracy in DR Congo

    Human rights defenders: indispensable agents of democracy in DR Congo

    Over the current election period, there have been many constraints on the rights and freedoms of human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists in the DR Congo; this has been a source of political and social tension. Threats, arbitrary arrests, and unwarranted legal action have increased dramatically, indicating growing restrictions on the public sphere. ASF believes that…

  • ASF receives a donation from the Belgian Development Cooperation to combat human trafficking in Tunisia

    Today, ASF received an exceptional donation of €50,000 from the Belgian Development Cooperation. The Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation, Alexander De Croo, personally presented a cheque to ASF as part of the solidarity event “Music for Life”.

  • Victims’ legal representation raised at the 16th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute

    Victims’ legal representation raised at the 16th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute

    Last week at the Sixteenth Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, ASF and REDRESS co-organised a parallel event on the legal representation of victims before the International Criminal Court, the International Crimes Division in Uganda, and the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic.

  • Five partners working together for better access to justice in Burundi

    Five partners working together for better access to justice in Burundi

    After several months of preparation, the official launch of the “Menya Utunganirwe” (“Know and Assert Your Rights”) project took place last week in Bujumbura. ASF, the bar associations of Bujumbura and Gitega, and two civil society organisations, came together with a shared objective: bringing people closer to justice, by facilitating access to justice through local…

  • A seamless transition: ASF welcomes its new Executive Director

    A seamless transition: ASF welcomes its new Executive Director

    This week, Francesca Boniotti, Executive Director of Avocats Sans Frontières for nearly ten years (on the right in the photo), comes to the end of her mandate within our organisation and leaves to embark on new professional and personal adventures. She is succeeded by our long-time colleague, Chantal van Cutsem.

  • Thank you to the personnel of the Court of Justice of the European Union!

    Thank you to the personnel of the Court of Justice of the European Union!

    For nearly twenty years, personnel of the Court of Justice of the European Union have been gathering every year for a big quiz night, the proceeds from which are donated to charities. ASF is one of four organisations to benefit from this year’s quiz, making this the thirteenth time that we have been able to…

  • Special Criminal Court in CAR: what role should victims play in procedures?

    Special Criminal Court in CAR: what role should victims play in procedures?

    In early October, alongside other civil society actors, both international and from the Central African Republic, ASF took part in a workshop to discuss the Rules of Procedure and Evidence Project for the Special Criminal Court. This was an opportunity to highlight the importance of respecting the rights of victims in relation to representation, participation,…