About Us

About us

Our Story

We are a non-governmental organization founded in 1991 during the advent of multi-party politics in Zambia. Our primary goal is to establish a conducive atmosphere in which democracy and democratic governance can flourish by encouraging the provision of legal aid services in Zambia in the broader context of access to justice.

Our vision is to attain social justice and a sustainable human rights culture in Zambia through litigation in public interest, while our mission is to advocate for a sustainable human rights culture throughout Zambia by empowering people through civic education, promoting good governance, and providing legal aid to the vulnerable.

Our founding conviction is that legal aid plays a substantial role in advancing social, economic, and political rights through the use of law as a way by which the plight of the poor and economically disadvantaged groups are meaningfully addressed. Thus, since our inception, we have been providing legal aid services and litigating in matters of public interest.

The Foundation also runs a number of outreach programs, supportive of legal aid, which is its core project. We work with human rights activists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and governments, as well as international governmental organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Working with civil society is central to LRF program activities, and we actively support the greater involvement of civil society in human rights and law reform.

We have a consultative status with the Human Rights Commission as regards Human Rights Monitoring in Prisons, Access to Bail and police Bond, Universal Periodic Review (UPR), as well as internationally e.g the Promotion of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights.

We accept funds from governments to undertake work in accordance with our agreed program. However, as an independent NGO, LRF does not accept any funds from the government, which threaten its autonomy or require it to depart from the mandate or program of work.

Our working methods include legal aid, juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS, gender, legal education, research and documentation, and networking. Under legal aid, we offer legal aid services to indigent persons, while under juvenile justice, we offer legal aid services to children found in conflict with the law. Under HIV/AIDS, we aim to mainstream HIV/AIDS in all LRF programs and offer legal aid services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Under gender, we mainstream gender into all our programs.

Furthermore, we empower the general public with knowledge of legal and human rights violations and abuses through a monthly publication of a newsletter and uploading stories at LRF Website

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

Mission

The mission of the Foundation is to advocate for a sustainable human rights culture throughout Zambia by empowering the people through civic education, promoting good governance and providing legal aid to the vulnerable.

Vision

Vision

Our Vision is to attain social justice and a sustainable human rights culture in Zambia through litigation in public interest.

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Recent News

From Scrap to Second Chances: Reforming Juveniles Through Justice

On the 2nd of July 2024, during what seemed like a routine screening at the Kabwata Police Station Paralegal Desk, the paralegal team stumbled upon three young boys whose lives had taken a dangerous turn. Aged 13, 16, and17, these boys had been arrested by ZESCO Police at Maxwell Sibongo Police Post in Lusaka. Their crime? Theft and vandalism of ZESCO property. For two days, they sat in detention, their futures hanging in the balance. But this was no simple case of juvenile crime. These boys, all hailing from Misis Compound, had dropped out of school and turned to the streets to survive. In the shadows of one of Lusaka's most underserved communities, they made their living by selling scrap metal, sacrificing their education and future in exchange for daily survival. What led themto crime was not a desire for wealth or thrill, but desperation. With no access to education or proper support, their only escape was the dangerous path of petty theft. This is where the true essence of justice comes into play, not inpunishment, but in providing opportunities for reform and reintegration.The paralegal officers, trained to see beyond the crime and into the circumstances that lead young offenders astray, decided to take action. In collaboration with the Child Protection Unit (CPU) and ZESCO Security, they facilitated a diversionary process, aiming to rehabilitate rather than incarcerate the boys. Through this intervention, the boys admitted their wrongdoing. They expressed genuine remorse and a willingness to cooperate withauthorities—an important step in any restorative justice process. The paralegals, along with key stakeholders, referred them to the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Lusaka Youth Drop-In Centre for crime awareness sessions and behavioural change counselling. This was not just an intervention; it was a lifeline. By leveraging community support structures and alternative justice mechanisms, these boys were given a second chance—an opportunity to leave their criminal past behind and reintegrate into society. The counselling at YWCA was not merely about avoiding future crimes; it was about reshaping their perspectives, building their self-worth, andshowing them that another path was possible. Three young lives, once derailed…

Legal Resources Foundation Shines at EnACT Expo 2024

The Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) proudly participated in the EnACT Expo 2024, themed "Building Partnerships, Driving Change." Held on 14th November 2024 at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka, the event celebrated innovation, collaboration, and progress in advancing Access to Justice, Civil Society Participation, and Transparency. Graced by distinguished officials, including the Honourable Minister of Justice, the GIZ Country Director, and the Team Leader from the European Union Delegation to Zambia, the Expo served as a dynamic platform for fostering partnerships and inspiring transformative initiatives. LRF's exhibition highlighted its impactful work, particularly its 13 paralegal desks operating in Lusaka and the Southern Province, which provide crucial legal aid to underserved communities. The interactive showcase garnered significant attention and earned LRF a participation award and recognition as the third-best exhibitor for excellence in exhibition and innovation. This remarkable achievement underscores LRF’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting equitable access to justice. The event was supported by the Germany Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-funded by the European Union (EU) under the Enabling Access to Justice, Civil Society Participation, and Transparency Programme. LRF extends its heartfelt appreciation to EnACT team and its partners for organizing this impactful event. The Expo has inspired us to continue building partnerships and driving change in the justice sector. We invite you to stay connected as we embark on new initiatives inspired by our participation in the EnACT Expo 2024.

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