The 12th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Access to Justice was held in Salvador Brazil from 12th – 19th April 2010. FHRI was represented by Elinor Wanyama Chemonges (Mrs), National Coordinator (PAS). The Paralegal Advisory services (PAS) - one of the special projects managed by FHRI was presented as a best practice and innovative model in reduction of prison overcrowding and use of paralegals in the administration of justice.
The Congress devoted significant focus on discussions around; pre-trial detention and access to legal aid through a number of initiatives including:
- A formal statement on UN Guidelines on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, linking primary justice services and the role of paralegals.
- Promotion of Pre-trial Justice as a means to address the nexus between Corruption, Torture, Public Health, and Socio Economic Development;
- Innovative Models and Solutions for reducing Prison Overcrowding through Paralegals and other Programmes;
- Addressing the Health Consequences of unchecked Pre-trial Detention; and Legal Aid and the draft UN Guidelines on Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems.
The Salvador Declaration recognized the need to limit the use of pre-trial detention; provides an opening to work with governments and monitor the implementation of practical measures that give effect to this recognition.
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