LIVE Project – Legal Understanding and Victim Empowerment

Northern Justice Watch (NJW) proud to announce that The Law Foundation of Ontario has provided generous financial support for our “Legal Understanding and Victim Empowerment (LIVE) Project. This project focuses on enhancing access to justice and legal education for marginalized communities affected by athocity crimes, including the Hizmet Movement, Yezidis, Hazaras, and Tigray populations.

Introduction

Northern Justice Watch (NJW) proudly presents the LIVE Project, a groundbreaking initiative supported by The Law Foundation of Ontario. The LIVE Project is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities affected by atrocity crimes, including the Hizmet Movement, Yazidis, Hazaras, and Tigray populations, by enhancing their understanding of legal rights and access to justice.

About the Project

The LIVE Project aims to bridge critical gaps in legal knowledge for communities that have endured severe human rights violations. By providing tailored workshops, outreach programs, and support networks, this project equips participants with the tools to navigate both Canadian and international legal systems effectively. The project’s holistic approach ensures that individuals are not only informed but also empowered to seek justice and advocate for their rights.

Workshops and Training Programs

The LIVE Project will deliver 12 specialized workshops over two years, focusing on:

  1. Introduction to Human Rights and International Law: A foundational overview of global human rights principles.
  2. Canadian Human Rights Laws and the Justice System: Understanding Canada’s legal protections, especially for immigrants and refugees.
  3. Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act: Insights into Canada’s application of international law concerning war crimes.
  4. Identifying Human Rights Violations in Your Community: Practical approaches to recognizing and documenting rights abuses.
  5. Advocacy Skills for Community Leaders: Strategies for effective advocacy within communities and on larger platforms.
  6. Documenting Atrocity Crimes and Gathering Evidence: Techniques for gathering and preserving evidence that meets legal standards.
  7. Engaging International Mechanisms for Justice: Step-by-step guides to working with bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  8. Legal Empowerment for Women and Marginalized Groups: Focused sessions addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.
  9. Building Community-Based Legal Support Networks: How to create and sustain support systems for continued legal aid.
  10. Strategic Litigation for Community Empowerment: Leveraging the legal system to create systemic change.
  11. Navigating Legal Resources and Support Services: Resources available in Canada for pro bono and legal aid services.
  12. Sustaining Advocacy and Legal Empowerment Beyond the Project: Long-term strategies for continued legal advocacy.

Partnerships and Supporters

The LIVE Project thrives on collaborations with key partners, ensuring its effectiveness and outreach:

  • Hazara Advocacy Group: Engages the Hazara community, addressing unique challenges and providing support for education.
  • Anatolian Heritage Federation: Supports the Hizmet community, focusing on legal awareness and advocacy.
  • Yazidi Community Advocacy Groups: Offers critical support for Yazidi victims, including those affected by atrocity crimes and resettlement challenges.
  • Tigray Advocacy Network: Works to document human rights abuses and advocates for the Tigray community.

Academic Partners: University of Ottawa and Lakehead University contribute research and expertise to reinforce educational content.

Conclusion and Contact

The LIVE Project is committed to fostering a sustainable system of legal empowerment and advocacy, ensuring that participants can continue to pursue justice long after the workshops conclude.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us at info@northernjusticewatch.org or visit our website regularly for updates.