Empowering the San: Legal Capacity Building for Human Rights Access
In the 33 years after Independence, 2 comprehensive studies have been undertaken to document the realities faced by the San peoples of Namibia: “An Assessment of the Status of the San in Namibia” and “Scraping the Pot: San in Namibia two decades after Independence”. The LAC has subsequently continued to engage with the San throughout this time to date and can confirm that the challenges outlined in these studies are essentially still present. This has been validated by the needs-based interventions undertaken by the LAC.
The two studies referred to have indicated that the living situation of the San as a collective has not improved although certain communities may have a marginally better living environment. While any intervention must of necessity include an element of assistance to access minimum human rights standards rightfully expected, the main objective is to improve the living conditions of the San by fostering an environment that seeks to empower the San to ultimately access these rights through their own volition in as far as is possible.
This project addresses systemic barriers that Namibia’s San communities face in accessing justice. Through legal education, advocacy, and direct legal assistance, the project empowers San communities to access their rights and navigate legal systems. Activities include paralegal training, mobile legal clinics, and policy engagement with government institutions to improve legal protections for indigenous peoples.
The long-term impact includes increased legal literacy among San communities through tailored legal education and strengthened engagement between San communities and government institutions for service access. The San will have improved access to justice through mobile legal clinics and direct legal assistance. The project also aims to develop advocacy materials to influence policy and raise awareness of San rights. This initiative affirms the right of all people to dignity, voice, and justice.
