Lawyers Without Borders Canada meets the AJS - Association des Juristes Sénégalaises in Dakar © LWB Canada
Lawyers Without Borders Canada (LWB Canada) is expanding its presence in Benin and Senegal with the project RÉCIT. This project aims to strengthen civil rights, particularly for those who defend them.
The RÉCIT project contributes to fostering a sociopolitical and legal environment more favourable to respect for civil rights, in particular the freedoms of information, expression, association and peaceful assembly, including online. In doing so, the project offers those who defend these rights the means to protect and assert them.
Supported financially by the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, LWB Canada will organize a series of training and awareness-raising activities over a three-year period, until 2027.
Impacts that go beyond borders
The civic and democratic space is under increasing pressure in several West African countries. In recent years, a number of governments have resorted to restrictive laws and other related measures, contributing to a decline in fundamental freedoms in the region. Although Benin and Senegal play a crucial role in regional stability, both countries have recently experienced similar pressures. Consolidating their democratic gains and opening a positive dialogue with the concerned authorities is a priority to avoid potential abuse.
LWB Canada has been active for more than 10 years in West Africa and has dozens of partners. RÉCIT encourages Beninese and Senegalese civil societies to forge links with other actors in the West African region, in order to share knowledge, good practices and the potential positive impacts of the project.
Training, raising awareness and providing information on civil rights
The protection of all those who defend human rights and the free flow of information are prerequisites for a sustainable and solid rule of law. RÉCIT provides human rights defenders and civil society organizations with the resources to better assert their rights. Women, who are subject to discrimination and forms of violence specific to their gender, are given priority.
In addition, RÉCIT informs and raises awareness on issues related to civic space among the Senegalese and Beninese populations so that they in turn can contribute to creating a context conducive to a better exercise of civil rights for all.