LEGAL ASSISTANCE

JRS has offered legal assistance to asylum seekers in detention since 2000.

Detention isolates asylum seekers and makes it harder for them to get information about the asylum procedure and good quality legal assistance. This could threaten their chances of getting protection. Our project ensures that as many asylum seekers as possible have access to legal assistance and information about their rights from the moment they arrive in Malta.

In 2006, JRS expanded its services in this area with funding obtained from ERFII (2005). We will be able to keep up these services during 2007 thanks to a grant from FAI – Fondation Assistance International.  In 2008, these services will be partly funded by the ERFII (2007). The services offered include:

Direct provision of information and legal assistance:
JRS lawyers and outreach workers regularly go to the two largest centres to provide information to as many detainees as possible and in-depth legal casework in some instances.

JRS gives priority to vulnerable people and asylum seekers with a protection-based claim. Apart from assisting with asylum applications, we tackle requests for release from detention.
Download Guidelines for selection of beneficiaries for in-depth legal casework [PDF]
Download Report on direct service provision for 2006 [PDF]

Publication of information booklet for asylum seekers:
In December 2006, JRS published an information booklet about the asylum procedure for asylum seekers in detention. The publication is currently available in English and French and should shortly be available in other languages too, including: Arabic, Tigrinya and Somali.

Copies are distributed free of charge to asylum seekers in detention and an electronic version may be downloaded here:
Download JRS booklet [English PDF]  /  Download JRS booklet [French PDF] (soon available)

Information and support for lawyers
JRS provides information to lawyers assisting asylum seekers with their asylum claims through:

1. An intranet containing relevant links and information [http://www.jrs.webexone.com];
2. Updates containing information on protection issues [updates].

TRAINING

Refugee Law Study Unit
JRS Malta organizes training for lawyers and law students with the long-term aim of creating a pool of trained professionals to provide legal assistance to asylum seekers. Initiatives include:

1. A study unit on Refugee Law at the University of Malta;
2. A series of workshops and seminars focusing on human rights and refugee law, practical legal skills and psychosocial and cultural issues.

Training for Interpreters and Cultural Mediators
During September and October 2007, JRS organised a short training course for interpreters. This course, which was being funded mainly by UNHCR as part of the SGBV (sexual and gender based violence) project, consisted of a series of seminars aimed at providing participants with the basic skills required to provide a service.

Training for personnel working in the area of reception
Throughout 2008, JRS will be organising training for personnel working in the area of reception of asylum seekers, both within detention centres and open centres. The training will consist of a number of seminars and group sessions, and will be covering various topics including:

- Asylum procedures
- SGBV (sexual and gender based violence)
- Trafficking
- Psychosocial and Cultural issues
- Organisational Skills
- EU Funding

If you are interested in volunteering or otherwise supporting this project, click below to see how you can help.

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