San empowered by LAC, EU
The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) launched a new EU-funded project Empowering the San: Legal Capacity Building for Human Rights Access earlier this week.The project is funded by the European Union to the tune of about N$6.5 million and implemented by the LAC in collaboration with other stakeholders. The project will run for three years.
The EU Ambassador to Namibia, H.E. Ana-Beatriz Martins in her keynote address emphasised the importance of the project and rationale for support.
“San people face profound challenges, ranging from land dispossession, discrimination, socioeconomic marginalisation, loss of cultural heritage, limited access to education, health disparities and environmental pressures,” she said.
On the project objective, Ambassador Martins said that the main aim is to improve the living conditions of the San by fostering an environment that seeks to empower them to access their rights through their own volition.
“The project will also improve access to basic constitutional and international human rights for San communities.”
Corinna van Wyk, LAC’s Project Coordinator and implementing partner for this project, said: “We seek to empower San communities with the necessary tools to navigate this complex legal landscape to their advantage.”
“Central to our approach is the training of paralegals and individuals within the San communities who will become beacons of hope and agents of change.”
The project will deliver activities aimed at increasing awareness and strengthening advocacy capabilities, with specific emphasis on combatting all forms of discrimination on any ground.
Another pivotal dimension involves amplifying opportunities for engagement, particularly in decision-making processes for San people and vulnerable communities.
An integral component of this collective effort involves bolstering regulatory capacities and implementing measures that address social services, emphasizing the provision of quality and affordable health services, as well as education.