Timap for Justice
Encyclopedia
Timap for Justice is a non-profit that provides free justice services to people in Sierra Leone
. It is based on a paralegal model, providing people with access to "education, mediation, negotiation, organizing, and advocacy". The organization is run by Simeon Koroma and Nancy Sesay, two lawyers in Freetown. It was founded by Vivek Maru and Simeon Koroma, as a joint-project between the Open Society Justice Initiative (part of George Soros
's Open Society Institute
) and the National Forum for Human Rights, a Sierra Leonian coalition of human rights organizations. It became an independent organization in 2005, and currently has offices in Freetown and 13 others villages and towns across the country.. In 2006, Timap received almost $1M from the World Bank
to expand their services to cover more of the country.
Timap attempts to empower the local population by providing a variety of legal services. As described by the Law Society of England and Wales
Timap was highlighted by former US President Jimmy Carter
as a model solution for justice problems. In an article he published in the Harvard International Review
, President Carter pointed out that "Timap is widely accepted, but remains an independent organization" and "they are not intended to replace existing justice mechanisms, but they can provide alternatives where people’s trust in local justice—formal or traditional—is low and can set a competitive example by operating in professional and transparent ways that invite comparison and improve overall performance". Transparency International
also highlighted Timap's work, describing how an organization "with no statutory authority", with knowledge of the local context and culture, is able to exert enough pressure on people to follow the law.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone , officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest. Sierra Leone covers a total area of and has an estimated population between 5.4 and 6.4...
. It is based on a paralegal model, providing people with access to "education, mediation, negotiation, organizing, and advocacy". The organization is run by Simeon Koroma and Nancy Sesay, two lawyers in Freetown. It was founded by Vivek Maru and Simeon Koroma, as a joint-project between the Open Society Justice Initiative (part of George Soros
George Soros
George Soros is a Hungarian-American business magnate, investor, philosopher, and philanthropist. He is the chairman of Soros Fund Management. Soros supports progressive-liberal causes...
's Open Society Institute
Open Society Institute
The Open Society Institute , renamed in 2011 to Open Society Foundations, is a private operating and grantmaking foundation started by George Soros, aimed to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform...
) and the National Forum for Human Rights, a Sierra Leonian coalition of human rights organizations. It became an independent organization in 2005, and currently has offices in Freetown and 13 others villages and towns across the country.. In 2006, Timap received almost $1M from the World Bank
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
to expand their services to cover more of the country.
Timap attempts to empower the local population by providing a variety of legal services. As described by the Law Society of England and Wales
Law Society of England and Wales
The Law Society is the professional association that represents the solicitors' profession in England and Wales. It provides services and support to practising and training solicitors as well as serving as a sounding board for law reform. Members of the Society are often consulted when important...
As previously stated there is a shortage of lawyers within the country especially in rural areas hence the recruitment of paralegals. These professionals are sometimes graduates, former teachers, or both. They are trained in methods of dispute resolution and on the law. The majority of cases are resolved through mediation although a small percentage progress through the local court system. Paralegals in addition to convening mediations, interview witnesses, and individuals against whom complaints are lodged; meet with government and court officials; monitor the progress of cases or investigations; convene community meetings or workshops to address recurring problems; communicate with village, paramount or section chiefs to co-ordinate activities on local concerns and maintain good relations."
Timap was highlighted by former US President Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
as a model solution for justice problems. In an article he published in the Harvard International Review
Harvard International Review
The Harvard International Review is a quarterly journal of international relations published by the Harvard International Relations Council...
, President Carter pointed out that "Timap is widely accepted, but remains an independent organization" and "they are not intended to replace existing justice mechanisms, but they can provide alternatives where people’s trust in local justice—formal or traditional—is low and can set a competitive example by operating in professional and transparent ways that invite comparison and improve overall performance". Transparency International
Transparency International
Transparency International is a non-governmental organization that monitors and publicizes corporate and political corruption in international development. It publishes an annual Corruption Perceptions Index, a comparative listing of corruption worldwide...
also highlighted Timap's work, describing how an organization "with no statutory authority", with knowledge of the local context and culture, is able to exert enough pressure on people to follow the law.