Community Legal Aid Program that aims to provide legal assistance to the underserved communities affected by these challenges and promote wildlife conservation. These issues disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, and there is a pressing need for legal support to ensure their rights are protected and mechanisms for dispute resolution unlocked.
Community Legal Aid Workers (CLAWS) are trained to provide legal support, raise legal awareness, and empower communities to navigate legal processes effectively. By fostering collaboration between legal entities, environmental organizations, and local communities, we aspire to create a sustainable model that protects the rights of the underserved and contributes to wildlife conservation.
Guiding Theory :
• Access to Justice: CLAWs bridge the gap between underserved communities and the legal systems.
• Education and Empowerment: CLAWs empower community members to unlock their constitutional rights; such as the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment; Right to enforce environmental rights, Access to natural resources and right to property.
• Community Building: CLAWs are integral parts of the community, fostering trust, collaboration and collective efficacy.
• Conflict Resolution: By providing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, CLAWS contribute to resolving conflicts within communities without resorting to formal legal proceedings.