Justice and human rights are things that we see as a necessity and often take for granted. However, for many people living in under-resourced rural communities in Panama, there is little or no access to legal aid. Many obstacles impede their right to justice through legal misinformation and the inability to afford reliable legal aid.

This summer (29th July - 5th August), along with some of my fellow Law students at the University of Birmingham I have decided to travel to these areas with the help of Global Human Rights Brigades to enhance my legal skills and provide pro-bono legal aid alongside Panamanian lawyers in a free legal clinic for some of the poorest people in the world. Through working closely with families to resolve their legal issues, this experience will enable them to get access to basic justice that everyone deserves. I will also be providing education-based workshops on numerous legal concepts to empower the human rights of these communities.

The legal areas that I will be working on are family-specific cases such as divorce, child support payments, civil unions and domestic violence. I truly hope that I can make a difference and provide these families with free legal support in what are some of the most difficult and sensitive family issues.

As a student, I would be truly grateful for any donations big or small that would enable me to travel to Panama this Summer. I have a part-time job alongside my studies and have been fundraising with other Brigade members at University to cover the costs of the lawyers, our accommodation and basic facilities whilst I am there. But any donations that would help cover the costs of my travel and vaccinations would allow me to use my legal skills to really make a difference!

Thank you for all of your help and donations and if you could even just share the message I would deeply appreciate your help. I am eager to make a difference and be helping such a good cause. Thanks once again :)