Covenant House Vancouver’s Post

Today, Orly Erez-Likhovski talks about what it means to be a family and to fight for the rights of our immigrant families! "All year round, LACO, our Legal Aid Center for Olim (immigrants) works tirelessly to help thousands of Jews find homes in Israel and to bring families together. What better time to present you with some of our many moving success stories than on Family Day?" https://lnkd.in/dpTEpY28

You can view our article on Child Support in Turkey from the link. https://lnkd.in/dUAVPxMD

Building bridges for justice in Cabo Delgado: Pathfinder Mozambique, alongside the Center for Legal and Judicial Training (CFJJ), just wrapped up a powerful workshop in Cabo Delgado! This two-day session focused on a critical issue: strengthening the response to gender-based violence (#GBV) by better connecting local judicial and health systems so they can work together more closely. Judges, public attorneys, medical professionals, and GBV specialists came together to share expertise and bridge the gap between the justice system and healthcare. The group focused on empowering justice professionals to use quality forensic medicine evidence in GBV cases and equipping medical professionals to understand the crucial role they play in supporting survivors. Ultimately, this workshop aimed to create a more survivor-centered approach to GBV in Cabo Delgado, ensuring better enforcement of protective laws and smoother access to justice for women and girls. The initiative is part of Pathfinder's Uholo project, supported by USAID, which tackles GBV and early marriage in the province. Read more about the project: https://lnkd.in/eiemnnEt #PathfinderMozambique #GBVPrevention #Collaboration #CaboDelgado

“Usie (Plan International Country Director) further called on the state government, development and implementing partners, and relevant stakeholders to develop an implementing framework that will aid the application of the new laws to have a practical effect on the lives of children in the state. He also called on the state government to take further the commitment to child rights in the state by showing political will and determination for its implementation through budgetary provision” This stood out to me because until we set up systems and frameworks that aid the application of our laws, new laws will have NO practical impact or effect on our lives and the integrity of the state and all we hold dear, would be in question. So are we going to do what we say we are going to do? Or are we going to keep making laws and never becoming what these legislations envision? Well done Plan International Nigeria for your continuous work of advocacy for girls and children 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💐

It #NEVER_EASY to talk about forced marraige. 📚 The latest release from the CERV-funded EASY project is now available. The publication examines the legal frameworks concerning forced marriages in Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Finland, providing insights into the predominant legal strategies and institutional initiatives. Through comparative analysis, it outlines the prevalence of forced marriage in these nations, the legal measures implemented to address it, and the existing institutional endeavors to aid victims. 🔍 By exploring international obligations and their incorporation into domestic legal structures, the report seeks to promote a more gender-sensitive and victim-centric approach to support services, with the ultimate goal of preventing forced marriages and mitigating their repercussions. 📌 Tailored as a resource for policymakers and practitioners, it offers insights to inform future interventions, forced marriage prevention and victim assistance. Download the report here: https://bit.ly/fm_legal #ForcedMarriage #GBV #VAW 🌍 Project partners: Solwodi e.V. Universitat de Lleida Immigrant Council of Ireland Associació Valentes I Acompanyades

Empowering communities through time-tested traditions: Community mediation, deeply rooted in India's heritage, utilizes dedicated volunteer mediators. From familial conflicts like sibling disputes mediated by mothers to matrimonial issues resolved by elders and panchayats, our community-driven approach fosters harmony. A cost-effective alternative for those steering clear of legal routes, community mediation is the key to resolving disputes within our neighborhoods. #CommunityMediation #ConflictResolution #CulturalHeritage

Empowering Women: The Impact of Free Legal Aid for Incarcerated and Indigent Women🤔 At the Women and Girls Rehabilitation and Support Initiative, we believe every woman deserves a fair chance. Our mission to provide free legal aid is not just about offering legal services; it's about restoring dignity and justice to those who need it most, rebuilding the once lost confidence and equipping the women with the right skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle. *Why Legal Aid Matters* Legal aid is more than a service; it is a lifeline. In Nigeria, where legal resources can be scarce and costly, many women find themselves trapped in a cycle of injustice. By offering free legal aid, we ensure that women have the opportunity to reclaim their lives and build a brighter future. Imagine the bustling streets of Lagos or the serene villages of Enugu, where women walk tall, knowing they have the support they need. This is the future we strive to create. ⚡Join Us in Making a Difference 🤜🤛 Our work extends beyond the courtroom. It is about building a community where every woman feels valued and empowered and fully reintegrated back into the society. Picture a Nigeria where every woman, regardless of her past, has the chance to rewrite her story, to stand tall, and to be heard. We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your involvement can make a significant impact. Together, we can ensure that justice is not just a privilege but a right accessible to all. Join us in our mission to liberate and empower women, transform communities, and build a more just and equitable world for all.🤗

Here is my third #EJAFellowsUpdate! These last few weeks at KIND, I have been working on several research projects regarding various inadmissibility grounds to assess whether our special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) clients would be subject to grounds that could render them ineligible for relief from removal. For a bit of context, grounds of inadmissibility are reasons set out in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for why non-citizens seeking admission into the U.S. and certain immigrants seeking to apply for permanent and conditional residence might be ineligible. These inadmissibility grounds are vast, ranging from health-related grounds to criminal grounds. SIJ is a classification of humanitarian immigration relief that allows children to become eligible for permanent residence if they are unable to reunite with one or both of their parents due to abandonment, neglect, or abuse. Throughout this research process, I’ve been reminded of the cyclical nature of trauma and how trauma at a young age can often lead to greater vulnerability to mental health issues and involvement in the criminal punishment system. The overly broad nature of the grounds of inadmissibility, particularly the criminal grounds, often overlooks the trauma and instability that many SIJ children experience, making them more susceptible to activities that could render them removable. Despite the inequities of the immigration system, I’ve seen how hard KIND attorneys and staff work to advocate for their clients. They do their best to exhaust all possible legal avenues and arguments to overcome inadmissibility grounds, looking after the client’s best interest and ensuring that they remain eligible for relief. If you’re interested in donating to Equal Justice America’s amazing work, you can use the link below!

Promoting Peace: Advocacy for a Better WorldPeace advocacy is a crucial aspect of creating a harmonious and stable society. It involves promoting non-violent solutions to conflicts, fostering understanding and empathy, and working towards the prevention of violence and war. Peace advocacy is essential for the well-being of individuals, communities, and nations as a whole. It helps to create an environment where […]https://lnkd.in/dCp_Zufd