Promoting the Rule of Law in Myanmar: Success Story

In the Irrawaddy Region, a 15-year-old girl named Phyu Phyu was raped and beaten by a 19-year-old man. Phyu suffered physical injuries, including a broken arm, and mental trauma from the attack. Her aunt contacted the Myanmar Women's Affairs organization, which sent a paralegal trained by the Legal Clinic Myanmar to meet Phyu while she was still in the hospital. The paralegal connected Phyu with the local Legal Clinic Myanmar office in Pyarpone Township, where a lawyer provided support and acted as Phyu's advocate to help her understand the legal process and be an effective witness. The lawyer reviewed court statements from the police and the victim to ensure their accuracy. After a trial, the judge convicted the perpetrator and sentenced him to 20 years in prison on March 28, 2018. The Legal Clinic Myanmar also provided social support and counseling for Phyu Phyu, as well as connecting her with the Department of Social Welfare and World Vision to provide medical treatment. The Legal Clinic Myanmar, funded by a grant from the Promoting the Rule of Law Project, provides legal aid services in 9 townships, including 7 in the Irrawaddy Region and 2 in Kachin State. The organization has established offices in Pyarpon and Myitkyina to offer free legal aid services and is currently handling 57 court cases. They have provided legal advice, counseling, and mediation services in 212 cases, with 118 in the Irrawaddy Region and 94 in Kachin State. The Legal Clinic Myanmar also operates a 24-hour legal aid hotline in both areas to facilitate these services. The organization's work is increasing access to justice for marginalized populations, not only through legal and social services, but also by engaging with local government authorities and justice sector stakeholders. The Promoting the Rule of Law Project provides technical assistance, capacity development, and grants to promote Myanmar's democratic transition. The project's support to the Legal Clinic Myanmar and other civil society organizations is building their capacity to engage in advocacy, promote rule of law, and protect human rights in Myanmar. The Legal Clinic Myanmar conducts stakeholder meetings in local communities to engage with local government authorities and justice sector stakeholders. The organization's work is focused on increasing access to justice for marginalized populations, including women and girls who are victims of sexual and gender-based violence. The Promoting the Rule of Law Project's support to the Legal Clinic Myanmar is helping to build the organization's capacity to provide legal aid services and promote rule of law in Myanmar.