Create a More Just World by December 10th - JEAN AMABILE

You know me as a public defender for over 20 years in the San Francisco Courts.
Together, whether from the bench, the prosecution, the defense or the police perspective , we worked to guarantee that the poor receive the same benefits from the law that the rich do. We didn't always agree on the details but I think we agreed that the system we worked within was functional. Unfortunately in the last two years working for International Bridges to Justice I have witnesses first hand what happens when legal system don't work. In the Philippines the defenders are expected to handle over a 1000 clients at a given time. In Rwanda and Burundi there is no system of legal aid so there is no money to pay lawyers willing to represent the poor. While India has a legal aid system it does not properly compensate legal aid attorneys and the courts have a back log of 1000 years. In Zimbabwe political corruption has destroyed what used to be an example of one of the best legal systems in Africa.

The consequences for individuals caught in those systems are devestating. Pretrial delays often exceed the maximum sentence for the crime. Women and children are housed with adults and are physically and psychologically brutalized.

Karen Tse, a former San Francisco Public Defender, founded IBJ in 2000 to build systematic support for the hundreds of thousands of prisoners, in countries throughout the world who need a competent defender. To date IBJ has expanded to 16 countries, with permanent staff in China, Cambodia, Rwanda, Burundi, Zimbabwe and India. Slowly, Karen’s dream is becoming a reality through the hard work of IBJ’s staff, volunteers and partners. IBJ is now facing greater demand for its services than ever because of the success we have had in raising awareness and contributing to real progress on the ground. The organization needs additional resources to bring stability and continuity to its programs - a spark to ignite justice for vulnerable communities around the world.

I realize that the work you do on a daily basis is daunting. But I am asking you to do more. Please become involved in the pursuit of justice at the international level by supporting the work of IBJ. If we all do our part, we can make an important difference. Every dollar you give will make a critical difference.
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During this campaign, your donations will be matched by up to $125,000 through the generous funding of a private donor.

My goal is to raise $10000 between now and December 10, 2009, Human Rights Day, in order to support IBJ Fellows, staff and volunteers around the world.
Help create a more just world by December 10 - contribute now!