ENVISION A MORE JUST WORLD BY SEPTEMBER 2020 - KATE MILLAR

ENVISION A MORE JUST WORLD BY SEPTEMBER 2020 - KATE MILLAR
A fundraiser supporting INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES TO JUSTICE

For the first time in history, we have a roadmap for the systematic prevention and abolition of torture. Help make this dream a reality.

If I were ever to be accused of a crime, I would expect to be treated the way I except all suspects to be treated – with dignity, respect, and humanity. I would expect to be informed of the charges against me, to be provided with a lawyer, to be held for no longer than the legal maximum, and, above all, not to be harmed. I would expect to be presumed innocent until it was found otherwise by a public, independent and impartial court proceeding. I would expect to be treated exactly as those who are conducting the investigation would want themselves or their families to be treated – as a human being of value.

It is a triumph of the twentieth century that the above rights have come to be regarded as inherent and inalienable. They are enshrined in not only countless international conventions, but also the national constitutions of most states. Unfortunately, in many areas of the world, a large gap exists between the idealistic “letter of the law” and the daily realities of the justice system.

Karen Tse and International Bridges to Justice work to “bridge” the gap between the ideal and the reality. Karen recognizes that it is often not a lack of desire, or will, to protect human rights that leads to justice system dysfunction, but rather a lack of resources and technical knowledge. As early access to an attorney has proven to be a highly effective means of preventing (rather than simply reporting/monitoring) the occurrence of torture, IBJ strives to train as many public defenders in as many countries as possible. This is combined with a variety of rights advisement campaigns, informing citizens of their rights under national law, so that they themselves are better able to insist that their rights be respected.

As an experience public defender and incredibly strong spirit, Karen Tse is an ideal leader for this burgeoning movement. Not only does Karen possess the requisite practical experience and criminal defense skills, but she also possesses an indefatigable belief that her dream of a lawyer for every man, woman and child is possible. To speak with Karen about IBJ is to know that a global public defender movement is inevitable – it is inexorable and imminent. Karen has the incredible gift of being able, just by demonstrating the depth of her own convictions, skeptics into supporters and enemies into allies. She sees the best in everyone, and in return gets their best in return. And it is that positive passion for criminal justice that is going to take the movement into the twenty-first century.

------

On September 29, the Gleitsman Program for Leadership in Social Change at the Harvard Kennedy School is honoring IBJ Founder and CEO Karen Tse with the 2009 International Activist Award. The recognition honors Karen for her "determination and selfless efforts truly make a difference in improving the quality of life" for communities around the world.
My goal is to raise $10,000 for Karen’s work by the time she receives that award. Please join me, Harvard University and the Gleitsman Foundation in their support.
Fifty, five hundred, or one thousand dollars - whatever you can afford - is the difference. It is an affirmation not only of your belief in the power of the criminal defender, but also that torture can be overcome - just as we did with slavery in the 19th century and apartheid a few decades ago.
Thank you for your support!

-Kate

Share |

This fundraiser was created by:

Kate Millar

In support of the US registered nonprofit

INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES TO JUSTICE

$0 raised

Goal: $10,000

	$10.00 The percentage of criminal defendants in China who are still juveniles
	$62 The percentage of pretrial detainees in Burundi who are unable to afford any type of legal representation.
	$113 The number of countries in the world that still find it necessary to practice torture
	$140 The limited number of lawyers in China (in thousands) that have to represent a population of over 1,300,000,000.
	$270 The total number of lawyers in the entire country of Rwanda.
	$300 The percentage that prison occupancy levels have reached in Kenya
	$3,000 The estimated number of documented cases of torture in Zimbabwe, in just the last 7 years
	$ Other

0 followers

Other fundraisers of INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES TO JUSTICE

Projects by INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES TO JUSTICE

Create a More Just World by December 10th - Tim Scheu