June 26th, is the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. To support individuals and organizations working to end torture, arbitrary detainment and abuse, International Bridges to Justice announced a new initiative with a cash award for proposals that provide solutions for concrete and achieveable actions. The initiative, JusticeMakers, will award $5,000 to the eight best proposals. The theme is "Implementing Criminal Defense: From Arrest to Appeal." Examples include:
* Legal aid lawyers are based at police stations to ensure accused persons have access to counsel.
* Childcare at the courthouse to make it easier for women defendants to attend proceedings.
* A mobile arraignment court so more accused persons understand the charges against them.
* Community service programs and alternatives to custodial sentencing to ease overcrowding in prisons.
* A microfinance legal insurance product so people have funding to secure counsel.
The competition is global and participation is free. Anyone with an idea and a familiarity with his or her country's criminal justice system is encouraged to apply. Nominations are also accepted. Applications are accepted via http://www.justicemakers.net until August 14, 2008.
Photo courtesy of Leonieke
