Human Rights Promotion & Protection

LAF supports meaningful civil society engagement in regional and international human rights processes. This includes facilitating engagement with human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, coordinating shadow reporting, strengthening the capacity of civil society actors to engage effectively with these mechanisms, and monitoring the implementation of human rights recommendations. It also involves raising awareness of human rights mechanisms and conducting research and advocacy on critical human rights issues.

LAF contributes to efforts aimed at preventing human trafficking and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations. This includes supporting awareness and prevention initiatives, advocating for stronger legal and policy responses, building the capacity of stakeholders to address trafficking cases, promoting survivor-centered approaches, and conducting research and policy analysis to inform evidence-based advocacy and interventions.

LAF advocates for climate action grounded in human rights principles and social and environmental justice. This includes training CSO members and community paralegals on climate justice and environmental law, engaging in policy advocacy informed by research, raising awareness of environmental rights, and supporting communities to claim those rights through legal aid.

LAF implements interventions aimed at strengthening civic space and promoting the protection of fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, freedom of association, media freedom, and broader human rights protections. Through research, legal and policy advocacy, capacity building, legal aid provision, strategic litigation, public awareness initiatives, and engagement with national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms, we work to contribute to a more enabling environment for civic participation, responsible expression, and protection of human rights in Rwanda.

LAF supports the protection and promotion of the rights of refugees and asylum seekers to ensure access to justice, protection, and essential services in line with national and international legal standards. This includes providing legal assistance, raising awareness on refugee rights, building capacity on international protection frameworks, and monitoring and documenting human rights concerns affecting refugees and asylum seekers. We also contribute to strengthening coordination among government institutions and civil society, while engaging in research and advocacy to improve policies and promote social inclusion.