suma justeco draft 3

8/10/2019 Suma Justeco Draft 3

1/28

The Organizational Landscape of Suma Justeco;

A fledgling NGO dedicated to serving justice fortransnational abuses of human rights and the environment

Prepared By:

Jonathan S. Leonard

With Guidance From:Terra Lawson Remer

In May of 2014

1


2/28

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Comparable Organizations

Accountability Counsel (AC) .........

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) .. 7

Sources of Innovative Funding

NGO Support Networks

6

Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) .

Earthjustice ....

EarthRights International (ERI) ......

Ashoka ...

Causes ....

Kiva ....

The Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Network (ESCR-Net)..

Namati ...

9

8

10

13

12

14

16

17

2


3/28

Pro Bono Clearinghouses

Advocates for International Development (A4ID)....

The Public Interest Law Network (PILnet)......

i-Probono....

20

19

21

Legal Support Organizations

International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP)....

Lawyers Without Borders (LWOB)...........

23

24

Law Clinics and Research Institutes

Columbia Law Human Rights Institute (HRI).......

Harvard International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC)....

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment.

27

26

28

3


4/28

BACKGROUND

Suma Justeco

Suma Justeco means Global Justice in Esperanto. For decades the creation andadoption of global justice mechanisms have lagged behind the rapacious expansion of

global resource markets. This lopsided development track has left rural regions ofthe global south at the mercy of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) who standunchecked by regulation or law. Suma Justeco seeks to pioneer an alternativesystems-change approach: integrating diverse legal and policy strategies to defendmarginalized communities suffering from environmental devastation imposed byirresponsible extractive industries projects, advocate for peoples displaced by massiveland grabs perpetrated by corrupt governments in collusion with powerful corporateinterests, promote inclusive economic growth policies that generate widely sharedbenefits instead of inequality and social exclusion, and oppose catastrophic climateinjustices that are destroying the planet and decimating livelihoods worldwide.

This document seeks to establish the organizational landscape or ecomap intowhich Suma Justeco is entering and to provide guidance for those seeking to enter orunderstand the field of non-profit environmental law. The following organizationshave been selected and analyzed based on their potential for: partnership, funding,legal support, networking, and research.

Transnational:Extending across national boundaries. Suma Justeco focuses on environmental andsocial abuses that involve crossing national borders.

Multi National Corporation (MNC):A corporation that has dramatically exceeded the physical bounds of its home state.MNCs (especially in the extractive industry sector) are the most common targets ofSuma Justeco.

International Finance Institution (IFI):Large development banks such as The World Bank, or International Monetary Fund(IMF). They often finance massive transnational development projects someleading to environmental and human rights abuses.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):An official report detailing the environmental impact of a given development project.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):Control or ownership of business enterprise in one country by a company or investorfrom a different country.

Glossary of Terms

4


5/28

!

!

A list of

COMPARABLEORGANIZATIONS

Complementing and Adding Value to Existing Organizations

Transnational social and environmental justice is a budding field;

nevertheless, several small trailblazing organizations with

comparable missions exist. Suma Justecos efforts would

compliment these organizations overarching mission goals as well

as their daily activities. The following organizations are

highlighted for both their similarities to Suma Justeco, as well as

how they might assist one another.5


6/28

assists communities around the world todefend their environmental and human rights

Year of Registration2009

Primary OfficeSan Francisco, California, USA

Region of FocusAnywhere IFI projects exist

Net Assets - 2011$105,697

Human Resource Capacity(4) Full time staff(2) Law fellows(2) Interns

Accountability Counsels (AC) primary focus is providing lawyers for

people harmed by internationally-financed projects. It specializes in

pursuing complaint mechanisms for projects funded by

International Finance Institutions (IFIs).

The AC utilizes complaint mechanisms and provides guidance to

people affected by the following IFIs:

African Development Bank (AfDB)Asian Development Bank (ADB)Equator Principles (EPs)European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)OECD National Contact Point of the US (US NCP)UNDP Accountability MechanismsUN Guiding Principles for Business and Human RightsThe World Bank

The AC utilizes the pro-bono services of law firms and law school clinics when pursuing these accountabilitymechanisms. The AC also takes a particular interest in womens issues and employs a Strategic Supportcampaign which seeks to enhance strong local voices for the purpose of lodging complaints on behalf of theirown communities.

Bank Facing Mechanisms: the AC features a bank advocacy campaign through which it engages in dialogue withIFIs in order to strengthen accountability practices and the revision of policies.

Potential interactions with Suma Justeco: When the AC discovers a case which is inadequately addressed by IFIcomplaint mechanisms or falls outside of ACs operational realm, it can refer the case to another organizationwith a different toolkit. ACs afflicted communities could be supported by using Suma Justecos otheraccountability mechanisms such as anticorruption laws or social performance requirements .

- www.accountabilitycounsel.org

6


7/28

Works to strengthen and use international law

and institutions to protect the environment,promote human health, and ensure a just andsustainable society


Primary OfficeWashington DC, USA

Satellite OfficesGeneva, Switzerland

Region of FocusUSA(Sub)Arctic zones

South America

Net Assets - 2013$987,456

Human Resource Capacity(18) Staff(3) Pro bono servicers(24) Interns & law fellows

With its staff of international attorneys, CIEL utilizes advocacy and

support strategies in order to strengthen international laws and

institutions with the aim of improving environmental protections,

human health, justice, and societal sustainability. The relevantissues covered by CIEL include human rights, the environment,

International Finance Institutions (IFIs), and community law.

Early Opportunity Lawyer-in-Training Program: CIEL conducts a

joint research and teaching program with The American Universitys

Washington College of Law. The LIT program offers internships

and fellowships with a focus on international and comparative

environmental law. Suma Justeco will likewise provide up-and-

coming legal training, but to fresh law school graduates rather than

to interns or fellows.

Advocacy Mechanisms: Active advocacy and dialogue with IFIs in

regards to strengthening their accountability practices and revising

specific policies. It also engages in dialogue with national

governments regarding environmental laws and participates on

panels and commissions with environmental goals.

Potential interactions with Suma Justeco: CIEL is selective and

limited in the client communities it represents. It could, therefore,

refer cases to Suma Justeco which seem like good pilots for new

transnational litigative mechanisms.

- http://www.ciel.org/CIEL_Our_Work.html

7


8/28

A global alliance of attorneys, scientists and otheradvocates collaborating across borders to promotegrassroots efforts to build a sustainable, just future


Primary OfficeEugene, Oregon, USA

Region of FocusWorldwide

Net Assets - 2011$1,440,474

Human Resource Capacity(14) Full time staff(7) Fellows

Primary focus: challenging environmental abuses and seeking to

build a worldwide group of skilled and committed advocates who

can protect ecosystems and communities in the future. ELAW

supports strong local lawyers from low-income areas who are

committed to protecting the environment in their home countries -

building local capacity to protect the global environment.

Scientific Analysis Tools: E-Law has staff scientists qualified to

check the validity of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and

provide scientific testimonies. It also hosts community workshops

to teach affected community members skills such as collecting and

analyzing contamination samples, which foster a better

understanding of the toxic effects caused by extractive industry

projects in their communities.

EIA Law Matrix: A growing database of Environmental Impact

Assessments (EIAs) from around the world. This database provides

valuable information for assessing transnational grievances, and

provides a tool for comparing legal standards and procedures

across various regions.

Potential interactions with Suma Justeco: One of ELAWs six major initiatives is Strengthening Organizations:

ELAW helps advocates launch and strengthen organizations dedicated to pursuing justice and protecting theenvironment. Suma Justeco fits this description and could correspond with ELAWs local legal representatives

within this context. These representatives can assist Suma Justeco in launching transnational litigations, or

participating in whichever accountability mechanism is deemed appropriate. For example: if an E-LAW

supported lawyer discovers a bribe from a US registered company to a local government official in relation to a

land-grab or extractive industry project, Suma Justeco could use local attorney assistance to file a case under the

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

- www.elaw.org/about

8


9/28

Uses the power of law and the strength of

partnership to protect peoples health; to preservemagnificent places and wildlife; to advance cleanenergy; and to combat climate change

Year of Registration1999 - Earthjustice(1971)- Sierra Club Legal

Defense Fund

Primary OfficeSan Francisco, California, USA

Satellite Offices30 offices spread around thevarious states of the USA

Region of FocusUSACanada (in relation to US)Mexico (in relation to US)

Net Assets - 2013$50,701,080

Human Resource Capacity

(93) Attorneys(201) Staff

Primary Focus: Earthjustice conducts US based litigations for cases

brought to them by the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)

and affected community members. It primarily uses US based laws

such as The Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act, The National ForestManagement Act, and The Natural Environmental Policy Act to

achieve its goals.

Earthjustice is a US-centric organization but they also do extensive

bilateral work with neighboring countries like Canada (Tarsands) and

Mexico (Gulf of Mexico Contamination). However, they have also

begun to join the global discourse in cases of extreme environmental

abuse in Central and South America (such as the la Oroya case in

Peru).

Main Tool: Litigative representation for groups who bring cases

against US government agencies - some of which are inherently

transnational, such as the US Export-Import bank. The US ExIm

bank provides funding to international extractive industry projects

that serve US companies or interests.

Individual, Community, and Organizational Representation:

Earthjustice has legally represented a diverse body of clients ranging

from affected individuals to groups of NGOs and everything

inbetween.

Potential interactions with Suma Justeco: The USA has one of the strongest legal frameworks for environmental

protection in the world. If Suma Justeco brings any sort of transnational litigations to US courts, Earthjustice

could be instrumental in assisting SJ lawyers to navigate the legal intricacies of US environmental law and get

accountability from American listed MNCs operating abroad. Suma Justeco could, in return, provide guidance in

the realm of transnational litigation for Earthjustices western hemisphere trans-border development cases.

- http://earthjustice.org/about

9


10/28

The power of law and the power of people indefense of human rights and the environment


Primary OfficeWashington DC, USA

Satellite OfficesChiang Mai, ThailandLima, Peru

Region of FocusLatin America

Southeast AsiaWorldwide (Amicus Curiae)

Net Assets - 2013$6,338,930

Human Resource Capacity(51) Staff(14) Co-counsel

Primary Focus: ERI is one of the only organizations filing

transnational litigations against socially/environmentally abusive

corporations in their home states. It generally does this using the

Alien Tort Statute (ATS) and amicus curiae briefs.

In addition to its litigation efforts, Earthrights documents human

and environmental rights abuses and organizes local community

activists. Their litigation cases are usually brought to US courts, and

are levied against governments and MNCs who are allegedly

conducting social or environmental abuse.

Direct Community Representation Component: ERI has a client-

centric approach and directly represents plaintiff communities in a

US court of law. Suma Justeco will likewise use the home courts ofcapital-exporting countries to pursue socially and environmentally

based litigations as one of the tools in its repertoire.

Pro-Bono Legal Component: ERI has support from The

Cooperating Attorney Core who donate their time to ERI's various

legal activities including: conducting legal research, drafting amicus

briefs, working on human rights and environment class action suits,

and other lawsuits. Suma Justeco plans to use a similar pro-bono

legal support component.

Potential interactions with Suma Justeco: The backbone of ERIs transnational litigation effort is the Alien Tort

Statute. Unfortunately the ATS has been rather unsuccessful in winning accountability due to a presumption

against extraterritoriality among other reasons. Suma Justeco seeks to reinforce transnational litigation by

pioneering tactics based outside the ATS, such as conversion claims and SEC filings. Once these new tools are

effectively pioneered by Suma Justeco for use in transnational social/environmental abuse cases, they will be

available for ERI to use as well.

- www.accountabilitycounsel.org

10


11/28

!

!

Sources of

INNOVATIVE

FUNDING

New Methods; New Funding Models

Traditional funding models such as grants and private

donations are useful for seed funding but become

burdensome as organizations grow. Suma Justeco seeks

to transition away from traditional competitive funding,

and towards a more innovative and participatory crowd

funded model.

11


12/28

Innovators for the Public

Method of FundingGeneral funding pool is madePool is distributed to fellows

EligibilityBeing a social innovatorPassing Ashokas review

Noteworthy MechanismsNetworking opportunitiesLiving stipend

Ashoka provides start-up financing and professional support to

their projects from start to finish. Hopeful social entrepreneurs go

through a rigorous review process and, if deemed promising (by

Ashoka), are taken on as fellows. Ashoka is unique in that it offersmore than just money; it works to keep its social entrepreneurs well

connected and supplied with everything they need to succeed.

As an emerging entity, SJ is in need of assistance and networking. It

also seeks to utilize networks (such as the Ashoka Hub) where a

diverse group of individuals, companies, and organizations can

congregate over a specific case or issue. These hubs render

valuable connections and are useful for coordinating the many

tools and organizations involved in a transnational accountability

effort.

Ashoka raises funds, primarily online, and distributes them to social

innovators as living stipends for up to 3 years - allowing them to

work on their social innovation full-time.

- www.ashoka.org

12


13/28

The place to discover, supportand organize campaigns

Method of FundingUser made campaign pagesOnline donations

EligibilityPartnership with a 501(c)3A specific campaign

Noteworthy MechanismsLow costHighly specific funding

Causes serves as a platform for both donors and campaigners to

network, build campaigns, and raise/give money for issues they

care about.

All of the content (campaign information) is user created. A user

acts on behalf of a non-profit to raise money, either for that

organization in general or for one of their specific activities. This

allows campaigns to be run by people who are not actually

employed by the organization, and need not even be official

volunteers. Anyone can run a campaign for a registered non-profit.

Suma Justeco could benefit greatly from such an arrangement, as it

is not in a position to hire/train campaigners. It could even act as a

campaigner for a partner in a transnational development case as a

way of gaining traction before it receives a 501(c)3 status.

- www.causes.com

13


14/28

Loans that Change Lives

Method of FundingLoans are given via web-lenderDisbursed by field partners

Refunded into Kiva account

EligibilityPersons from the global southwithout access to finance

Noteworthy MechanismsPartnership with microfinanceinstitutions and small businesses

Specific projects - Lender Choice

Kiva is a crowd-sourced interest-free microfinance platform which

connects private lenders to business owners so that they can create

or scale existing enterprises in the global south.

Tools: It uses field partner organizations such as microfinance

institutions, socially responsible businesses, and nonprofits to

facilitate the loan and help borrowers display their project on Kivas

website. Interest paid on the loan is used to pay for the partner

organizations services - Kiva does not take a cut.

Relation to Suma Justeco: SJ will use a platform similar to the one

used by Kiva, but based on donation to a particular case rather than

the microfinancing of a small business or individual. Donors will

likewise be provided intimate details of Suma Justecos cases, and

can choose which project to support. Like Kiva, cases will be

categorized by region & issue, and donors will be kept up to date on

news and progress.

- www.kiva.org

14


15/28

!

!

!"#$%&'$(&)%$* ,-./-"01&23 4*)/$* 5622)"(

"#$%&''( )%*(+,-(.,)+/ /&%0& (/ 1)+23,./ )4 1)##3+,1(.,)+ 5

1))6&%(.,)+ $&.7&&+ )%*(+,-(.,)+/ 7)%8,+* .)7(%2 ( 1)##)+ *)('9

:+ ;3/ 4)% ( 7,2& 0(%,&.? )4 (1.)%/

(+2 /&%0&/ .) /&7 .)*&.@&% 4,&'2 )6&%(.,)+/A 6%)#).& 2,(')*3&A (+2

6%)0,2& 4)%3#/ 4)% 2,/13//,)+ (+2 ,+4)%#(.,)+ /@(%,+*9 B@& 4)'')7,+*

/366)%. +&.7)%8/ 7,'' @&'6 C3#( D3/.&1) .) 2,/1)0&% )%*(+,-(.,)+/ ,.

1(+ 6(%.+&% 7,.@A 6%)0,2& /&%0,1&/ .)A )% %&+2&% /&%0,1&/ 4%)#9

15


16/28

A global movement working together toadvance social justice through human rights

Issue of FocusHuman rights:Economic, social, & cultural

Network StructureFlexibleSupportiveDecentralized

Relevant SpecialtiesThematic working groups:Corporate accountability

Adjudication

ESCR-Net uses its international network to facilitate joint actions,

enhance communications and build solidarity across regions. It

works to strengthen the field of human rights, specifically

economic, social and cultural rights, by developing tools for theirpromotion, protection and fulfillment. The network structure is

flexible, supportive, and decentralised in nature.

at the urging of its members, ESCR has compiled a robust set of

tools and resources for human rights monitoring and advocacy.

These toolkits are made widely available to the members of the

network. ESCR-Net also organizes thematic working groups which

build capacity for organizations, activists and other actors such as

women, marginalized groups, social movements, and social justice

groups.

The Corporate Accountability Working Group (CAWG) seeks accountability for human rights violations

perpetrated by both governments and corporations. It advocates for the home states of transnational

corporations to fulfill their extra-territorial obligations and regulate the activities of their corporations. CAWG

advocates for corporate accountability standards and builds collective transnational capacity to challenge

systemic patterns of corporate abuse.

The Working Group on Adjudication promotes strategic litigation at the domestic and international levels as an

effective tool to ensure accountability for violations of Economic Social & Cultural Rights (ESCR)

Suma Justeco would fit nicely into a number of ESCR nets working groups, specifically its Corporate

Accountability Watchdog Group (CAWG) and The Working Group on Adjudication. Corporate accountability is

one of the core goals of SJ, and litigation (adjudication) is one of the tools in its toolkit. The Adjudication Working

Group could further Suma Justecos own efforts by identifying cases which are appropriate for the piloting of SJs

innovative transnational litigation strategies.

-www.escr-net.org/cat/i/1372

16


17/28

Legal empowerment of thepeople as a path to justice

Issues of FocusDelivering quality legal aidCommunity land rights

Environmental lawThe right to citizenshipEssential service provision

Network StructureOpen membershipSupportiveOpen source content

Relevant SpecialtiesLegal aid 2.0 program

Namati is an organization which convenes an international network

of practitioners for the purpose of advancing justice. It runs a

formal network with a number of robust functions to assist its

member base, including: a publicly accessible compendium of legalempowerment tools, and the hosting of workshop sessions,

forums, working groups, networking spaces, trainings, scholarships,

and regional meetings.

In addition to moderating the Namati network, the organization

also partners with community paralegals and grassroots activists.

The paralegals use advocacy, mediation, community organizing,

and education to assist citizens in discovering concrete solutions to

instances of injustice. Community paralegals are close to the

communities in which they work and they are able to deploy aflexible set of tools. Namati is also connected to group of lawyers

and entertains the possibility of litigation if local frontline methods

fail.

Namatis community land rights protection program is proactive (seeking to establish land rights) as opposed to

Suma Justeco which is retroactive (seeking redress for abuse of land rights). So, although direct partnership

opportunities on land rights are limited, Namati can provide cases where their land-rights efforts are being

abused by multinational corporations. In such cases, Namatis legal aid 2.0 paralegals could prove valuable local

partners for Suma Justecos law students and pro-bono attorneys seeking to conduct transnational accountability

efforts - especially in the realm of environmental enforcement.

-www.namati.org

17


18/28

!

!

PRO BONO

CLEARINGHOUSES

Pairing Legal Needs with Legal Experts

Suma Justecos efforts require legal support and partnership from a

diverse range of experts. A major challenge to relying on outside

counsel is connecting with advisers and partners with the necessary

skill sets. Pro Bono clearinghouses act as matchmakers; they

connect Suma Justeco to pools of attorneys, paralegals, and legal

researchers with the specific knowledge needed for each case.

18


19/28

Ensuring that legal support is available for allthose involved in the fight against poverty


Issues of FocusMillenium development goals

Region of FocusWorldwide

Matchmaking MethodDev. org. makes a legal requestA4ID shows request to lawyers

Lawyers decide to undertake

Organizational RequirementsMust be approved by A4IDMust be serving the MGDs

The goal of A4ID is the congregation of legal, academic and

development communities to focus on questions of international

development. A4ID limits its support to groups explicitly furthering

the agenda of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); alldevelopment partners must be working toward one of the MDGs.

(the MDG most closely relating to Suma Justeco is MDG#7:

ensuring environmental sustainability) Legal advice is provided to

development partners, but A41D doesnt engage communities on

the ground or provide them with direct legal services.

A4ID furthers its goals by using a brokerage portal to connect pro

bono lawyers with cases being worked by its development partners.

All development partners must be approved by A4ID before they

can receive support. A4ID also works with its development

partners to hold events and spread awareness about the role that

law plays in international development. These events can range

widely in topic and have included: banking/tax law, microfinance,

best practices, research projects, climate change, and corporate

partnerships.

Suma Justeco could potentially become a development partner if A4ID is convinced that SJ is actively pursuing

MDG#7: ensuring environmental sustainability. Once made a development partner, SJ could us the brokerage

service to seek pro-bono support for environmentally damaging transnational justice cases. However, SJ is not a

strictly development organization per se, so its approval is less than certain.

- http://a4id.org/about-a4id

19


20/28

Connecting the pro bono community


Issues of FocusCross jurisdictional collaboration

Region of FocusIndia

Matchmaking MethodMember makes a profileMember posts/reviews offers

Member makes direct contact

Organizational RequirementsMust provide/request theservices of a lawyer/academic

i-Probonos central focus is using an online network to connect

organisations in need of legal assistance with lawyers and students

seeking to use their own legal skills for the public good. The

network is an innovative user operated social-media style platformwhich is open to a wide range of organizations including: charities,

social enterprises, international NGOs, advocacy groups, and

grassroots groups. It links student researchers to relevant projects

and legal experts to organizations seeking counsel. Unlike many

other pro-bono clearing houses, i-Probono isnt focused around any

sort of central theme or goal.

i-Probono has a number of features which open the door for more

individuals and groups to participate, such as: being user operated,

allowing for a variety of organizational types, not requiring an initial

review, and not requiring specific performance standards from

partners.

Because i-Probono has low hurdles for entry and can provide both

researchers and legal advisors, it could be a valuable resource for

support during Suma Justecos infancy.

- www.i-probono.com

20


21/28


Issue of FocusLegal justice & human rights

Region of FocusHungaryRussiaChina

Matchmaking Method

NGOs are screened by PILnetLegal requests made by NGOsPartnered lawyers choose a casePILnet continues to facilitate

Organizational RequirementsOrganization must be an NGO

PILnet is an organization dedicated to developing the legal

landscape of justice and human rights through networking and

education about the legal field.

PILnet actively moderates its own pro bono clearinghouses.

These function by receiving requests from NGOs, and then

presenting those requests to their network of lawyers who can

then choose cases based on interest. (PILnet coordinators

serve as a conduit) Services are available only to NGOs, but a

501c3 status is notrequired.

In addition to its networks, PILnet runs an International (and

various national) Fellows Programs. Fellows are nominated by

local NGOs to become PILnet fellows and undertake

skillbuilding and project planning workshops. Fellows return to

their local NGO at the end of the program to implement the

project developed during their fellowship. PILnet also assists

law-schools to advance their methods, curriculum, skill-building

workshops, and resource dissemination.

PILnet can be a useful resource for SJ because it maintains a

regulated clearinghouse which is accessible by non-501c3

NGOs. (SJs current legal status) However, since the network

is concentrated in select regions, it depends greatly on SJs pilot

case selection.

Justice needs advocates

-www.pilnet.org

21


22/28

!

!

Organizations that Offer

LEGAL SUPPORT

Direct Legal Assistance

Direct legal assistance is provided by organizations with

lawyers on staff which work directly with NGOs at a pro-bono

rate. They have their own set of values and mission

statements; some of which closely correlate to the values of

Suma Justeco. The following are examples of Legal Support

organizations which are conducive to partnership with Suma

usteco.

22


23/28

ISLP assists governments, non-governmental organizationsand other institutions working to build legal capacity and toadvance the rights and well-being of their citizens


Issues of FocusHuman RightsEquitable DevelopmentRule of Law

Primary OfficeNew York

Other Offices

ParisLondon

Legal Capacity (2012)(96) Law Firm Volunteers

Terms of ServiceClient must be serving one ofISLPs issues of focus (above)

The primary function of the ISLP is to mobilize senior counsel with

diverse expertise, particularly in commercial and corporate law, to

offer pro-bono support to cases and issues in the global south. It

assists its clients (governments, non-governmental organizations,and other institutions) in building legal capacity and advancing the

rights and well-being of their people. ISLP connects active and

retired volunteer lawyers to clients (and the communities which

they represent) in less developed countries for cases involving

human rights, equitable economic development, and rule of law.

ISLP uses a number of mobilization tools including technical

assistance, capacity building, training & mentoring, legal research &

analysis, and direct legal counsel. One particularly relevant tool is

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for communities which have fallen

victim to land-grabs. ISLP offers these communities counsel in

contract (re)negotiation, environmental law, and land ownership

claims.

How it could interact with Suma Justeco: ISLP links its law firm

volunteers to NGOs that are conducting legal advocacy for human

rights in the global south. SJ is an aspiring NGO in need of legal

support for addressing transnational human rights injustices. ISLP

was specifically formed to support organizations like SJ;

organizations which align with their issues (in this case: Human

Rights).

Since ISLP cases need not be strictly environmental in nature, its in a position to provide legal support to SJ for

cases that environmentally oriented pro-bono suppliers would not - cases like land-grabs or mass human

displacements caused by transnational development projects which are not environmentally harmful.

- www.islp.org

23


24/28

Crossing borders to make a difference


Issues of FocusCorruptionCivic rightsLand title conflicts

Primary OfficeHartford CT, USA

Legal Capacity

In-house volunteer lawyers

Terms of ServiceMust be an NGOMust pass LWOB applicationMust keep contact with LWOBas facilitators to the partnership

Lawyers Without Borders (LWOB) works to protect the integrity of

legal process, serve the underserved, and promote the culture of

pro bono counsel in the legal field. LWOB develops programming,

builds capacity, and provides technical assistance in developing andpost-conflict regions.

It helps lawyers develop skill sets in the areas of trial advocacy and

human rights in developing sectors. It acts as a neutral observer for

trials, conflict scenarios and detention facilities. It also conducts a

variety of development workshops on subjects such as mediation,

community outreach, civic education, research, and technical

assistance.

LWOB is not a clearinghouse; it launches collaborative projects

using lawyers and law firms which are guided by detailed Task

Memos and TOR (Terms of Reference). It utilizes its own in-house

lawyers to provide personal program oversight and management of

each case - start to finish.

LWOB could engage Suma Justeco by pairing it with legal counsel

for cases involving land-grabs (Land Title Conflicts) or

embezzlement of canons from extractive industry projects

(Corruption). Its services are especially valuable because it provides

support throughout the entirety of the case, rather than just playing

legal matchmaker at the onset.

- www.lwob.org

24


25/28

Relevant

LAW CLINICS &RESEARCH INSTITUTES

Solid Theory; Solid Practice

Many of the finest universities, think tanks, and law clinics have

special research divisions which are highly relevant to the work

of Suma Justeco. The following institutes have been identified

as ideal partners for exploring theoretic legal frameworks and

for the outsourcing of research projects.

25


26/28

A focal point of international human rights education,scholarshipand practice at Columbia Law School

LocationNew York City NY, USA

Relevant Issues of FocusThe global economy

Activities and ProjectsExtractive industriesTea plantations

The Human Rights Institute (HRI) pursues human rights litigation

and advocacy, often in partnership with grassroots organizations as

well as international NGOs. The HRI has a Global Economy

initiative with a well developed Extractive Industry component.This component conducts research and advocacy aimed at

addressing the so-called resource curse with an angle towards

bolstering democratic engagement and ensuring the accountability

of governments and investors. It has conducted a comparative

analysis of mining contracts and enforcement mechanisms around

the world, as well as an extensive research project investigating

industrial mining in the DRC.

Relation to Suma Justeco: Because the HRI is specifically addressing human rights from a potentially litigative

angle, it is well suited to provide law students and fresh graduates who are equipped to pursue transnational

accountability cases; including human rights abuses. Suma Justeco can also submit research requests to faculty

and students of the Global Economy initiative on topics and events that relate to Suma Justecos cases.

- web.law.columbia.edu/human-rights-institute

26
https://web.law.columbia.edu/human-rights-institute/publicationshttps://web.law.columbia.edu/human-rights-institute/publicationshttps://web.law.columbia.edu/human-rights-institute/publicationshttps://web.law.columbia.edu/human-rights-institute/publications


27/28

Working to protect the human rights ofclients and communities around the world

LocationCambridge MA, USA

Relevant Issues of FocusAlien Tort Statute (ATS)Business and human rightsHuman rights & environment

Activities and ProjectsAmicus curiae briefsMulti stakeholder initiatives

The International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) has ongoing projects

in the realm of human rights and the environment - many of which

are transnational in nature. Current projects include an

investigation of the violence and environmental/health problemsassociated with the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea, and a

documentation of the long-term effects of gold mining on

community and environmental rights in South Africa.

Alien Tort Statute (ATS): The Clinic has played a role in ATS

litigation since 2004 by serving as co-counsel in several major

cases, regularly filing amicus curiae briefs, providing extensive legal

research, offering fact-finding support, and giving strategic

guidance.

Pro Bono component: As a condition for graduation, Harvard Law School requires all J.D. students to complete at

least 40 hours of pro bono legal work. The clients represented are: people who cannot afford to pay for legal

services, non-profit organizations as defined under IRS sections 501(c)(3), or marginalized individuals/groups

whose rights are in danger.

Relation to Suma Justeco: the ATS has been one of the primary litigative tools for transnational accountability,

and the IHRC can provide SJ with good counsel as to how this statute is best utilized and where it has proven

ineffective.

Because of its focus on Human Rights/the Environment and its required pro-bono component, Harvard law

school is in an excellent position to provide law students with substantial expertise on issues relating to Suma

Justecos cases. In return, these students will receive both excellent real-world experiences and will fulfill one of

their graduations requirements.

-hrp.law.harvard.edu/clinic

27


28/28

Developing practical approaches for governments, investors,

communities and other stakeholders to maximize the benefitsof international investment for sustainable development.

LocationNew York City NY, USA

Issues of Focus - Investment in:Extractive industryLand and agricultureLaw and policy

Activities and ProjectsResearchPolicy and advisory workMulti-stakeholder dialogue

Teaching and curriculum devtResource and tool development

The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) is a

research center dedicated to the study, practice, and discussion of

sustainable international investment. It specifically addresses

issues which arise from large scale Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)in the extractive industry sector. The center works with

governments, the private sector, and communities to formulate

and implement practical strategies to support a mutually beneficial

sustainable transnational investment framework.

CCSI does research and reviews policies in the extractive industry

sector with the idea of improving or building new policy

frameworks in the future - not seeking accountability for violations

of existing policies. Its programs include interdisciplinary research,

advisory projects, multi-stakeholder dialogues, educational

programs, and the development of resources and tools.

Potential interaction with Suma Justeco: While it goes about conducting in-depth research on topics such as

complaint mechanisms and contract clauses, CCSI undoubtedly encounters environmental and human rights

violations which it cannot address in a justice-seeking context. It will instead refer these cases to Suma Justeco

while continuing to focus on policy frameworks and other forward facing mechanisms. Suma Justeco can also

utilize The Centers robust research on accountability mechanisms and, in return, provide it with data and

information relating to its cases.

-ccsi.columbia.edu/about-us/our-mission

suma justeco draft 3

Documents