Create a More Just World By December 10th - Walker Gunning

Buhle Dube, a young lawyer in Swaziland, is working to reverse years of injustices that have permeated his country's legal system. As a researcher at the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Buhle cemented his passion for constitutional litigation and human rights. When he came back to Swaziland,
Buhle decided to take a critical look at his country’s legal system.

Swaziland currently operates under a dual legal system. The most serious cases are tried by Magistrate Courts. Most other cases go to Customary Courts, in which defendant’s are judged without legal representation, or even the presentation of evidence in their favor. Arresting officers have enormous power. This leads to an environment rife with torture, wrongful convictions and corporal punishment as officers extract bribes or carry out personal vendettas.
To combat these human rights violations Buhle is transferring cases involving police brutality and corruption from the Customary Courts to the Magistrate Courts where there are better legal protections for his clients. Buhle is also working on amending the Swaziland Constitution to prohibit caning as a part of sentences handed down by judges.

Since education is crucial to social change, Buhle has involved the media to raise awareness about human rights violations in the legal system. Buhle needs your help in his courageous journey to fight corruption and advocate for individual rights in Swaziland’s legal system.

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Every day, IBJ Fellows like Buhle take huge risks for the defense of legal rights around the world. Their programs are under constant threat of running out of money.

Despite the risks they face for their courageous work, they cannot create significant, long-lasting legal changes without adequate funding and resources. Help them realize their goals by rallying in support of their uncompromising dedication to human rights.

Your Pledge:

During this campaign, your donations will be matched by up to $125,000 through the generous funding of private donors.

My goal is to raise $300 between now and December 10, 2009, Human Rights Day, in order to support these Fellows and the changes they strive tirelessly to achieve.

Save lives and create a more just world by December 10th – contribute now!