Create a More Just World - Sheila Christian

Franck, a lawyer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, risks his life on a daily basis to defend the rights of women in his war-torn country. Having grown up in the DRC, Franck is well aware of the use of rape as a weapon of war, an issue that is well documented internationally. Frank is also disturbed by the inability of women to receive effective assistance in the corrupt police system. Deeply affected by these painful accounts of rape and abuse, Frank has set up two hotlines (one for women and the other for juveniles) to provide direct legal aid to victims of abuse in his region. After receiving a call, Franck texts legal aid lawyers and dispatches them to the people in need. Within the first two months of setting up this hotline, he received more than five hundred calls – a testament to the enormous need for legal aid. Franck has also worked to strengthen partnership with the police in order to build a network of support for victims of abuse. Franck needs your help to break the cycle of violence against women and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Every day, IBJ Fellows like Franck 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 take on a daily basis for their 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.