Legal Support for Children and Women (LSCW)

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

History

LSCW was established by Vichuta Ly, a Khmer-Canadian lawyer. Having lived in Canada since 1980, Vichuta Ly returned to Cambodia in 1999 and quickly realized that there was a serious gap in legal services for women and children victims. On July 2, 2002, LSCW was registered as a non-governmental organization with the Cambodian Ministry of Interior. The provision of free legal advice to women and child victims of crime remains the foundation of LSCW’s work. Unlike other legal aid providers, LSCW is solely victim-focused and does not provide defense representation (except in cases of child offenders under the age of 15). This approach has enabled LSCW to develop a holistic approach to victim support, building relationships with governmental and non-governmental providers of support services (such as shelter accommodation, counseling and health care).

Mission

To contribute to the development of the rule of law, to promote access to justice and to protect human rights, including the rights of migrants

Vision

A just and open society in Cambodia in which human rights and the dignity of the individual are respected within the rule of law