Host Organization Details
Legal Aid Consultancy and Center
The Legal Aid Consultancy and Center, (LACC), is an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization. A pioneer in the field of promoting women’s human rights. Established in 1987 by like-minded women lawyers, attorneys and teachers of law. Initially the common aim was to promote easy access to justice for poor marginalized women, (who suffered injustice and oppression in society), by providing them with free legal aid and counseling. Today within the span of over 25 years in operation, the organization has developed nationwide networking with multiple purposes dedicated to: eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and to elevating the legal, social, economic and cultural status of women and children. Hence, the organization strives constantly towards their ultimate goal of equality for women and children.
The organization is closely connected to its founding President, Prof. Dr. Shanta Thapalia, who after relinquishing the Presidency on 17th August, 2009 to Ms. Shashi Adhikari, became an active trustee member. Dr.Thapalia's contributions over the years has helped to nurture not only the organization but also inspired the whole LACC team to motivate a new generation of dedicated women lawyers to work together to achieve the organization's objectives. Likewise, a major role, has been and is, conducted by its executive board in the overall management of the organization that is persistently engage in activities that strive towards the improvement of women's fundamental rights.
LACC's approach is comprehensive and interconnected. At the macro policy level, it lobbies government and policy bodies for legislative changes and for the proper implementation of laws; at the meso level, it organizes capacity building training for law implementers; and at the micro level, it provides free legal aid and awareness programs for women and children. By combating injustice on all three fronts, LACC strives for a just and equitable society in Nepal in which women and children can enjoy their rights and freedoms.
LACC’s CORE SERVICES are the provision of free legal aid comprising of: phone counselling, initial-psycho-social counselling, legal advice, mediation, para-legal services, case representation and the covering of court fees for clients in need.
LACC has been in the forefront of the women’s property rights movement in the 1990s which culminated in the 11th amendment of the Muluki Ain (Country’s Civil Code) in 2002. The 11th amendment significantly improved the legal situation of women in terms of their property, inheritance and adoption rights and increased the minimum age of marriage.
Currently LACC is strongly involved in the implementation of the newly enacted Domestic Violence Act (2009) through capacity building for law implementers, advocacy, lobbying and networking with policy makers and lead NGOs, as well as, awareness building measures at the community level.
The Legal Aid Consultancy and Center was established in 1987 by like-minded women lawyers, attorneys and teachers of law, initially with a common aim to promote easy access to justice for poor marginalized women, (who suffer injustice and oppression in society), by providing them with free legal aid and counseling. The founding President was Prof. Dr. Shanta Thapalia.
During the last 20 years, LACC has implemented a huge number of programs with NEDA, DANIDA, USAID, Foundation Open Society Institute, Asia Foundation, Action Aid, UNICEF, German Development Service, ILO/EPEC and many other international organizations for women’s and children’s rights, legislative reforms, legal aid, women empowerment and gender equality. Currently LACC’s major partners are Foundation Open Society Institute, The Asia Foundation and German Development Service. To increase its outreach and impact, LACC is highly interested to join hands with further partners.
LACC would appreciate any donations such as: Books Of Law, Stationary supplies Computers Laptops Women oriented books Human right books Meditation DVD's Scholarships for victims children Small Portable Projectors