By: Lebohang Maluke
Maseru – The Law Society of Lesotho [U1] is happy to announce that legal assistance will be provided free of charge to the residents [U2] in an important move aimed at protecting their rights.
Legal assistance is essential for ensuring that all citizens have equal access to justice, regardless of socioeconomic status. This reflects Law Society of Lesotho’s ongoing dedication to preserving the rule of law[U3] , protecting human rights, and creating justice and equality for everyone.
President of Law Society, Advocate Lintle Tuke says Legal Aid Unit aims to access justice, improve human rights, representation of gender based violence (GBV) victims and improve knowledge on laws and justice.
The concept of Legal Aid Unit relies on the fundamental and founding principle that justice should be accessible to all, regardless of financial worth or the client’s income. It is rooted in a deep understanding between human rights and access to justice by empowering individuals with resources needed to assert their rights, defend themselves against injustice, and effectively fight against rights violations.
Fairness, transparency, and accountability in this unit play a vital role as means to protect and further advance human rights.
The decision of Law Society decision to prioritize representation for GBV victims stems from an observation that these individuals need support and assistance to access justice. GBV victims often find themselves in vulnerable positions, struggling to navigate a complex legal system on their own. Victims’ voice, advocating for their rights to ensure that their experiences are pursued with utmost commitment and intent to realize and direct justice towards. This allows for security and confidence when defending oneself.
They will collaborate with government, High Court of Lesotho, community organizations and law schools etc. Though the parliament of Lesotho established Law Society, Law Society operates independently.
The far reaching benefits of legal aids are not limited to GBV, but are also a common trend within a wide array of scenarios affecting Basotho daily.
In the sphere of criminal law, families, customers and this unit provide and dedicate services to individuals who cannot afford private lawyers, ensuring that they receive fair treatment and are not subjected to undue pressure.
Attorneys and advocates are some of the lawyers who represent plaintiff and defendant in courts of law. Parastatals such as LNDC or LAA lawyers’ can represent clients in court, but NGOs lawyers do not permit their clients in court, only advising in legal department.
Resources come from lawyer premiums. So Law Society is welcoming investors, just like NGOs do. Some of the NGOs legal processes and documentation are costly in maintenance.
Some lawyers frame their law-firms after NGOs. The media and nation will be informed about the official operation of the Law Aid Unit at a later time.
Law Society realizes that Basotho have very little knowledge about their rights, if at all. Those who can have complaints about lawyers are welcome to visit their offices – disciplinary committee and committee that deals with complaints will intervene between clients and lawyers misunderstandings.
If there is no solution a client may appeal to courts of law.
Advocate Tuke emphasizes that both Law Society and the government have a ‘precious’ commodity of fair justice.
The formation of the Legal Aid Unit represents a historic milestone in the quest for justice and equality in Lesotho. ‘
By ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their economic standing, have access to legal representation, the unit serves as a hope, a powerful force for fairness, and a potent antidote to the systemic injustices that have plagued the country without any expectation from Basotho who receive less income.
[U1]What is it
[U2]The residents being who, where.
[U3]What is this defined, please do
Protect human rights, how
Create justice and equality for everyone, how