Staff Reporter
THE Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) has recently announced the launch of a new project aimed at enhancing access to fundamental constitutional and international human rights for San communities.
The project, entitled “Empowering the San: Legal Capacity Building for Human Rights Access,” will run for three years. It is funded by the European Union (EU) with approximately N$6.5 million and will be carried out by the LAC in collaboration with other stakeholders.
According to the LAC, the project’s objectives include raising awareness and bolstering advocacy capabilities, with a specific focus on combating all forms of discrimination. Additionally, the project aims to expand opportunities for engagement, particularly in decision-making processes, for the San people and other vulnerable communities.
“Lastly, an integral component of this collective effort involves bolstering regulatory capacities and implementing measures that address social services, emphasizing the provision of quality and affordable health services, as well as education,” LAC explained.
Corinna van Wyk, LAC’s Project Coordinator and Implementing Partner, explained that the project’s central strategy involves training paralegals and individuals within the San communities to become catalysts for change.
“We seek to empower the San communities with the necessary tools to navigate this complex legal landscape to their advantage,” van Wyk said.
This sentiment was also echoed by the EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana-Beatriz Martins, who highlighted the primary goal of the project as enhancing the living conditions of the San people by fostering an environment that empowers them to assert their rights through their own agency.
“San people face profound challenges, ranging from land dispossession, discrimination, socio-economic marginalization, loss of cultural heritage, limited access to education, health disparities and environmental pressures,” Martins added.
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