The Thongbai Thongpao Foundation (TTF) in
Thailand brings free legal assistance to rural residents, along with
training on basic human rights and law for daily life. While Thailand
enjoyed rapid economic growth in the 1990s, much of the improved
standard of living was been concentrated in metropolitan areas. Rural
populations lag behind economically and have little awareness of the
rights guaranteed by modern Thai law. This leaves them vulnerable to
exploitation by corrupt officials and moneylenders.
TTF’s Law to the Villages course targets teachers, students, community
leaders, poor farmers and women in particular. TTF staff and a team of
volunteer lawyers hold weekend training workshops in the villages,
usually at the request of villagers who are facing problems with state
officials. Over two full days of training, participants learn about
constitutional law, human rights, marriage, loans and mortgages, labor
law and other legal issues that concern them. Dramatizations of court
cases complement the lectures and discussion.
Participants receive photo identity cards with the name and signature
of their personal lawyer after completing the course. The back of each
card lists the rights of suspects: the right to silence, to legal
assistance, to know the charges against him or her and to post bail.
After the program, a local paralegal committee is set up in the village
consisting of five to seven people. The committee ensures human rights
standards are followed and helps organize courses.
TTF teaches practical information and skills that villagers can use to
assert their rights, rather than distant, abstract concepts. The power
of the business card each person is given should not be underestimated:
Knowing that you have someone to call in case of abuse is not only a
psychological boost, it could also dissuade someone from violating your
rights in the first place.
In isolated communities, whether they are isolated geographically or by
culture or custom, lack of knowledge may be the biggest obstacle
keeping people from taking full advantage of their rights.
This tactic could be valuable in rural and isolated areas around the
world where people are unaware of their rights or do not feel empowered
to access the justice system. It also offers legal action as a possible
recourse for victims in case of abuse. A similar tactic in Uganda (see
"Training local leaders to resolve legal complaints within their own
communities" in this database) also educates people in outlying areas
about their rights and creates avenues for mediation as well.
Teaching people in rural areas about their rights and connecting them to lawyers to defend those rights
