Volunteer lawyers needed in South Africa on a human rights project

Law in South Africa

This volunteer human rights project aims to defend victims of human rights abuse in Cape Town, South Africa.

South Africa has an infamous history of discrimination and segregation. With the end of Apartheid in 1994, South Africa began to establish democracy and an impressive Bill of Rights. However, many South Africans still in poverty suffer from human rights abuses and there is still a lot of work to be done.

The Projects Abroad Human Rights Office (PAHO) is based in Cape Town, and helps to defend clients in court, provide education and petition the Government.

This project is perfect for anyone considering voluntary work abroad or lawyers on a career break. You can contribute to the development of human rights in South Africa.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer human rights lawyers help in South Africa?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer lawyers help in South Africa?

As a volunteer lawyer you can use your knowledge and training to help local staff. You may work on tasks such as:

• Working with staff to prepare cases for the South African Equality Court, including:
  • Taking instructions from clients and witnesses.
  • Drafting witness statements.
  • Gathering evidence.
• Conducting a small caseload under the supervision of the Legal Services Coordinator. This could be in areas such as immigration or domestic violence.
• Working with the Head of Social Justice to run Human Rights workshops in the local community.
• Attending meetings at Parliament and with local MPs in order to voice community concerns.

PAHO’s mission is:

• To raise public awareness of human rights issues in South Africa and worldwide.
• To inform South African society on the legislation and human rights abuses.
• To monitor the rule of law and human rights in South Africa.
• To influence and support policy makers and implementation institutions about human rights issues.
• To actively take part in the global debate around international human rights and justice issues.

PAHO’s work is split between the Legal Services and Social Justice department. Depending on your experience, you will be able to help in a variety of areas:

• Children's rights and prevention of child abuse
• Prison conditions and prisoner’s rights
• Election monitoring and Participatory Governance
• Development and human rights in rural communities
• Women’s rights
• Immigrants and refugees rights

Volunteers on this project work 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Your placement will be at the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office (PAHO) in Cape Town.

This project runs all year round so you can join at any time. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it. 

As a PRO volunteer you will also work alongside Projects Abroad volunteers who are not qualified - work at the office is distributed based on experience.

You can request a copy of our most recent human rights report by emailing info@projects-abroad-pro.org. This will highlight the range of projects we are currently working on.

What will I gain from this project?

Law in South Africa

This voluntary work abroad will help you gain experience of providing a legal service in the developing world. You will be able to share ideas with experienced South African lawyers and learn from their experiences. You will also be able to make a difference and contribute to the development of South African human rights.

You will spend time in local communities, learning about a new culture and way of life. Staff and clients will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad Pro provide?

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in South Africa is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a South African family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekly quiz night.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have completed at least a bachelors or postgraduate law degree then you are perfectly suited for this project.