The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and INTERIGHTS are calling for applications from lawyers who would like to participate in a forthcoming workshop on defending gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBTI) individuals in court.  This workshop is specifically intended for lawyers who are willing and able to represent LGBTI individuals charged with violations of the law or those who are arrested and detained without charge.     

We are now accepting applications from lawyers who currently represent LGBTI individuals in criminal cases or who expect that they are likely to do so in the future. 

APPLICANTS NEED NOT HAVE A CURRENT CASE BUT MUST BE AWARE OF THE LEGAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY INVOLVED IN SUCH CASE REPRESENTATION. 

The objective of the workshop is to examine legal issues related to the defense of individuals who are arrested and charged under laws that, for example, criminalize same-sex sexual activity or gender expression, or who are detained under suspicion of having violated such laws, or who work for LGBTI and human rights organizations that are targeted by authorities.  The workshop will be held in Kenya from the 5th to the 7th of November 2010.

The ICJ is a global organization of judges and lawyers dedicated to upholding the rule of law and advancing the legal protection of human rights.  Since 1952, the ICJ has played a key role in establishing international human rights standards and working towards their implementation.  It has a secretariat in Geneva and regional offices in Africa, Asia and Central America.  Mary Robinson, former High Commissioner for Human Rights, is the current president.  The ICJ’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Project regularly publishes research on legal developments, participates in litigation at the national or regional court level, conducts trainings, and assists lawyers and LGBT defenders around the world. 

INTERIGHTS defends and promotes human rights and freedoms worldwide through the use of international and comparative law. We achieve this through a range of activities designed to strengthen human rights jurisprudence and obtain redress for people whose rights have been violated. We provide expertise and advice on human rights litigation regarding issues of particular international, regional or national importance. In cases where important principles are at stake we may act as co-representative, a ‘friend of the court’ (amicus curiae) or adviser to counsel. We work with local lawyers, judges and NGOs, strengthening their capacity to defend human rights effectively at both national and international fora. We do so through tailored training programmes including practical case-focused ‘litigation surgeries’, internship programmes and the development of litigation partnerships. INTERIGHTS does not provide funding for cases.

The seminar will be held in Mombasa, Kenya from 05 November to 07 November 2010.

Criteria for eligibility:

- The call for applications is open to lawyers, whether in private practice or affiliated to an NGO, who work on LGBTI cases or are willing to represent LGBTI individuals in court. A total of 12-15 participants will be selected.

- Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of human rights law, including regional and international standards on equality and non-discrimination.

- Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of the issues in their countries that confront LGBTI individuals and organizations working on LGBTI-related issues.

- The working language for the meeting will be English

Closing date for applications: 31 August 2010

How to apply:

Please complete the application form and submit it to Chloë Marong at cmarong@interights.org

If you should require any further information please contact Alli Jernow at allison.jernow@icj.org

Shortlisted applicants will be notified soon after the closing date and should be available for telephone interviews on 16 September 2010.