Reporting Period: July 2015 - June 2016 · through the informal justice processes and formal justice system. Main Objective: Access to Justice increased empowerment of disadvantaged

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Activity Report

Reporting Period:

July 2015 - June 2016

Madaripur Legal Aid Association New Town, Madaripur.

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Contents

1. Introduction

2. MLAA at a glance

3. Overview of the achievement

4. Core Program: Access to Justice and Human Rights (Phase iii)

i) Description of the Project

ii) Achievement

a) Output-1: Advocacy to ensure better access to justice for disadvantaged

b) Output-2: Increased capacity of duty bearers to activate local level justice

c) Output-3: Access to formal and informal justice system increased

d) Output-4: Institutional capacity of MLAA strengthened

iii) Problem faced and suggested action to meet the problems

iv) Impact analysis

v) Conclusion

vi) Annexure

5. Other projects

a) Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh

b) Access to Justice through Community Legal Service

c) Improvement of the Real Situation of Overcrowding in Prisons in

Bangladesh

d) Justice Reform and Corruption Prevent (JRCP) Project

e) Promoting Access to Justice through Enhanced Responsiveness and

Accountability of Communities and Public Institutions.

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Introduction: Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA), the first legal aid and human rights organization in Bangladesh, established in 1978 started its‟ journey providing free legal aid services in courts to the poor, particularly the indigent. But found the courts too

cumbersome to meet the needs of the disadvantaged for getting justice the organization had sailed to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism involving community participation to resolve civil and compoundable criminal disputes locally, activating Village Courts & Arbitration Council, human rights education and implement a wide range of awareness and capacity building activity for raising awareness of community people. MLAA initiate advocacy for mass awareness and to reform policies in formal and informal judicial system, with the assistance of other right based organizations, strived to stir the sensibility of the policy makers and duty bearers. MLAA has developed its capacity in technical and managerial aspects as well as upgraded and developed different policies, manuals & modules which contribute to strengthen capacities of its own and others. MLAA has been working for implementing different projects to enhance access to justice in 14 districts including Madaripur, Shariatpur and Gopalgonj. The report focuses a brief portrait of all activities of MLAA.

MLAA at a glance Values MLAA believes in integrity, justice, governance, and accountability in the way it works with oppressed, vulnerable and deprived people. MLAA recognizes respects and upholds equality and equity among women and men. Vision A just society where rule of law and human rights is upheld. Mission MLAA will strive to ensure access to justice and legal rights for all people irrespective of sex, cast, creed, religion, sexual orientation, race and those affected by HIV/AIDs through the informal justice processes and formal justice system. Main Objective: Access to Justice increased empowerment of disadvantaged people, particularly women & Children.

MLAA Today For the past 37 years Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA) has developed sustainable programs that address the greatest challenges with formal and informal justice system in Bangladesh.

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Since its inception in 1978, MLAA has continued its efforts to peruse people's empowerment, gender equity, good governance and human rights in order to make the justice system and legal services easily accessible and affordable for the indigent. MLAA has made enormous progress at the grass roots level in enhancing access to justice and human rights for the poor people, especially women, in three districts- Madaripur, Shariatpur and Gopalganj. MLAA also provides the same services to the indigent in other districts of the country. Starting its activities with Free Legal Aid program, MLAA has flourished in Mediation, activated Village Court and Arbitration Council, which are dispute resolution mechanisms of local justice system, legal support to reduce overcrowding in prisons, justice reform and advocacy to legal reforms.

Overview of main achievement:

The achievements of any project are not only reaching the target but to ensure justice from the grass roots level to the national level creating opportunity of access to justice for all. And to address the issue MLAA gave importance in both quantitative and qualitative aspects.

The Core Program:

Through the project MLAA has been continuing its advocacy initiatives to reform law and policy in formal and informal judicial system. MLAA facilitates advocacy by inviting key players in the justice system, such as lawyers, local administration, local government and UP representatives to discuss common problems and develop a common strategy for addressing the issues. With an aim to encourage relevant stakeholders to identify common problems and for addressing the issues MLAA published two issues of Yugo Chetona (3000 copies), its newsletter focuses on laws and human rights MLAA observed International Women‟s Day with the participation of 310, who were mainly students and teachers of different educational institutions and staffs of other NGOs, with an aim to bring them in a network to disseminate the new trend of human rights. Through the Free Legal Aid program, a total of 831 cases were conducted including 216 newly filed and 615 pending cases from previous years. Among them 171 cases were disposed; of them 33 cases were rejected and the total number of pending cases are now 519. During the reporting period under the local justice program MLAA facilitated to resolve 3040 disputes through mediation. A total of Tk.125,985,500/- was recovered as maintenance and Denmohor (dower), recovery of money and compensation for damage of crops, compensation against injuries and land. Additionally, the Village Courts settled 855 civil and criminal cases in which beneficiaries received an amount of Tk. 78,82,369.00/- approximately in cash and kind which include compensations, recovery of loans & money transactions and price (approximate) of recovered land. Moreover, 475 cases were amicably settled through mutual agreements. The Arbitration Council resolved 350 disputes and through these resolved disputes

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applicants received Tk 33,000.00/- as maintenance. In the above three local dispute resolution systems, 80.86% women were directly benefited. To enhance the capacity of duty bearers MLAA conducted different meetings and workshops for CBO members, religious leaders, activists and teachers & students of Collage & Madras. It reached around 33185 people through organization of 1401 courtyard meetings, 1135 ward CBO meetings, 129 central CBO meetings. To create awareness among the staff and stakeholders on local justice system, human rights and gender issues, MLAA arranged coordination meetings at three stages namely, central, district and thana coordination meeting; total 48 meetings were organized to coordinate the field level activities. MLAA‟s Monitoring team has specific responsibility to ensure transparency in the on-going activities and for institutional capacity building. In the indicator based assessment it has been seen that, in the decision making process 92% mediation decision made through party‟s opinion, 6.66 % decision taken by the board which was made by the parties‟ opinion and 1.33% decision was imposed. It has also seen in the assessment that Madaripur Mediation Model (MMM) has been adopted and implemented as because 62.66% CBO women has been taken part as mediator, 32%CBO men has been taken part as mediator and 5.33% locally mediated. In addition, in the mediation session 34.66% CBO women has been taken part as president of those session. It has also seen in the assessment that 87% decisions made parties abides by and are getting full remedy, 3% getting partial remedy and 10% decision made parties are not abides by. 90% beneficiaries have been satisfied over the decision taken in the mediation. Supplementary Projects :

MLAA is currently implementing supplementary projects to augment the work of the core program. Three projects were implemented to expand MLAA‟s local justice programs to other regions throughout Bangladesh. The project „Promoting Access to Justice through Enhanced Responsiveness and Accountability of Communities and Public Institutions‟ is successfully running MMM, VC, and AC in 42 UPs of Bangladesh. The project, “Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh” worked to activate Village Courts in 136 Ups. Another project has also been implemented to increase the community involvement in attaining justice most effectively when the community takes ownership of its own. The project “Community Legal Services” is promoting partnerships between the communities in 70 Unions of 4 districts in Bangladesh. MLAA is also working to reduce prison overcrowding and ensure prisoners are treated in accordance with the law through the project jointly initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prison Directorate „Improving the Real Situation of Overcrowding in Prison in Bangladesh‟. MLAA has been working in 4 districts Madaripur, Shariatpur, Gopalgonj and Sirajgonj involving 28 paralegals.

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MLAA has been undertaken a pilot project on „Justice Reform and Corruption Prevention (JRCP)‟ with collaboration of Ministry of home affairs of Bangladesh Govt. and Anti-Corruption Commission with a strategy to strengthen of social movement against corruption for promoting good governance in. The project works in Madaripur and Gopalgonj districts covering 4 Upazillas. MLAA started Justice for All (JFA) project in Munshiganj district with an aim to support DLAC, UZLAC & UPLAC to provide legal aid services. Through this project MLAA also works with the communities to aware people about DLAC, UZLAC & UPLAC and their roles and responsibilities.

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Core Program: Access to Justice and Human Rights (Phase iii) About the Project

Project Description: The aim of this project is to create „a society where disadvantaged and marginalized people (especially women) have access to justice.‟ The main purpose of the project is to develop and support the major stakeholders and build constituencies to link micro issues with the macro level. To achieve the above objects MLAA pays particular attention to creating accountability and transparency within the formal and local judicial systems. The project inspired the communities to play a larger role in demanding and accessing justice and assist the local governments in meeting the demands of their constituents to improve quality of life of the disadvantaged people through establishing their human, legal and women rights, for peaceful coexistence. The major components of the project are : 1) to allow people to access formal courts through free legal aid, 2) empower people to resolve their disputes through compromise at the community level through the Madaripur Mediation Model (MMM), and 3) enabling the local government to provide local justice through the Village Court (VC) and Arbitration Counsel (AC). Goal : A just society where rule of law and human rights of vulnerable groups are upheld. Objective: Increase access to justice to empower disadvantaged people, particularly women. Activity Area: Districts : 3 (Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur) Upazilas : 15 (all Upazilas of Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur districts) Unions : 40 Stakeholders: Stakeholders include the disadvantaged rural people, the poor, particularly women and children. Secondary stakeholders are UP representatives (chairmen and members), village leaders, panel lawyers and their associates, journalists, government officials and NGO activists. Donors: The Embassy of Denmark, Dhaka.

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Progress of Objective of the Project: To contribute to make a just society is the goal of the project where rule of law and human rights of vulnerable groups are upheld and the objective is to increase access to justice to empower disadvantaged people, particularly „women‟. To achieve the objective the project has accommodated different activities to open new avenues of access to justice for the poor and vulnerable group. Through effective implementation of various activities of the project „Access to Justice and Human Rights‟ a positive change has been coming out to make justice easily and equally accessible for its target communities through increase accountability of the duty bearers, accessing justice for the poor marginalized and vulnerable people through well functioned local justice systems, establish legal rights of disadvantaged and empower women to raise voice against the rights violations and to functional effective judicial system for protect the human, legal and women rights of the disadvantaged. The overall result of the above initiatives has been contributing for a just society which has been complementing the objective of the project. MLAA‟s main concern goes mostly on ensuring accessibility for the underprivileged within the formal justice system. At the same time, the organization sets its concentration to the non-formal dispute resolving criterions also. It is to mention that the organization‟s thematic and strategic focus is on to resolve disputes through reformed shalish at local level and the other UP judicial systems, like activating Village Court (VC) & Arbitration Council (AC), which is an initiative to promote justice at the grass root level. We know that, the main purpose of the project is to develop and support the major stakeholders to achieve the project objective. MLAA has been working to policy advocacy and lobbying to create access to the formal and informal justice system for the poor and disadvantaged people specially women. MLAA had keen eyes on its target and achievements. The activities organized were not merely for fulfilling the target. MLAA strived to ensure quality to all of those beside quantity. Furthermore, MLAA kept continuing scrutinizing the achievements against the objective.

4. Description of the Performance Advocacy

To influence policymakers in a planned and organized manner MLAA‟s advocacy unit have been taking some initiatives and recommendations are gathered from grass root level to convey these up to policy level. To create a positive change in the policy level, the advocacy unit of MLAA performed following activities in the reporting year. MLAA published 300 copies of books which contain information about law and human rights. It is an effective tool to disseminate information to the mass people as a made easy version so that they can empower themselves more about the basic knowledge in this field. As a part of its advocacy campaign, MLAA observed International Human Rights Day and International Children Rights Day with the participation of MLAA officials, govt. officials, like-minded NGOs, children, local elites, students and teachers totaling to approximately 310 participants (83 female; 135 male). MLAA also organized rallies,

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drawing competitions, poster displays, drama shows and a meeting on the issues relevant to Human Rights and International Children Rights Day.

Detailed information is given in Annex-A Result achieved Local judicial systems like Village Courts and Arbitration Council have drawn the attention of relevant service providers through local level advocacy. Gaps and limitations in local justice system have been identified from different seminars & workshops and necessary recommendations are placed to the policy makers to overcome these gaps. Publishing articles on law and human rights by „Chetona‟, MLAA‟s quarterly Newsletter, is an initiative to widely disseminate the issue and create an atmosphere in policy advocacy and lobbing.

Access to formal and informal justice system Free Legal Assistance

MLAA provides legal aid services to the disadvantaged, in particular the poor women and children, to establish their rights with positive impact of change their socio-economic status. Case applications by clients are assessed at union level, Upazilla offices and at the district offices. Disputes that are family matter, neighborhood, land, commercial, pretty criminal (compoundable) but non-violent in nature are referred for mediation. Some are referred for litigation depending on the nature of intervention that each case would require. MLAA arranges lawyers for its clients from panel of lawyers based on their years of experience, court records, knowledge of law and human rights, reputation and sensitivity to the needs of the poor specially women. A client may choose a lawyer and may also file a petition for a new lawyer. MLAA continually monitors its panel lawyers in order to render the highest standard of service. In addition to providing a lawyer, MLAA engages advocate's clerk who is responsible for liaising between the clients and also assists the lawyer with basic tasks. Alongside a paralegal worker of MLAA is permanently posted in the court as watchdog. As an additional service, MLAA provides funding for transportation (for both the client and witnesses), collection of necessary documents, and medical support if necessary. During the reporting period, 831 cases were handled which included 216 newly filed cases and 615 pending cases of the previous year. Among them 312 cases were disposed and 519 remains now as pending. Among the filed cases, criminal cases were 211 (97.69%), family cases were 02 (0.92%), land cases were 02 (0.92%) and appeal cases were 01 (0.47%). On the other hand, with respect to the the disposed cases, criminal cases were 243 (77.88%), family cases were 45 (14.42%), land cases were 15 (4.81%) and appeal cases were 09 (2.89%).

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Detailed information is given in Annex-B Result achieved

In 03 Family cases clients received BDT. 3,47,000/- as maintenance and dower money and preferred separation.

In 34 criminal cases 38 persons are freed from charges.

In 14 familty cases marriage continued through compromised

BDT. 5,00,000/- is recovered as dower money in 44 cases.

A total of 20 years imprisonment is given to 41 persons and BDT. 30,000/- taka is fined for 61 persons.

In two cases 47 decimal land is recovered which approximately amount of 2,00,000/-.

Activating Village Courts (VC): MLAA has taken special initiative for activating Village Court a forum of Union Parishad to resolve particular disputes. The project provides technical assistance to the Union Parishad and appointed one union worker to assist in Village Court and Arbitration Council activities in each UP. During the reporting period the Village Courts received a total of 907 applications and including pending 62 total applications stood 969. Among them 855 were disposed of, 69 cases were rejected and 43 cases remain pending. Out of total disposed cases 11 were civil in nature, the remaining 844 were criminal. The parties got a total compensation amounting BDT.78,82,369.00/-. 29 decimal of land recovered in this period. The amount includes compensations, recovery of loans & money transactions and recovery of land. 475 cases were settled amicably through mutual understanding and compromise. Detailed information is given as Annex- C

Arbitration Council (AC): The Arbitration Council was established by the Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961, and thus is only available to the Muslims. It has jurisdiction over only three issues: polygamy, maintenance, and divorce. During the reporting period the project received 446 disputes; including previous pending 34 disputes total disputes stood 480. The Arbitration Council of UP resolved 350 disputes, 103 disputes was rejected and now 27 disputes remain as pending. Among the total disposed 350 disputes, 271 were related to maintenance, 78 were of divorce and 01 dispute was about polygamy. A total of BDT. 33000.00 /- was recovered as maintenance.

Detailed information is given in Annex- D

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Result of VC & AC

UPs help the rural poor for providing quick remedy through VC & AC. In the reporting period UPs recovered an equivalent of BDT. 79,15,369.00 as maintenance, compensation and value of land. UP representatives are UP representatives are more aware about their roles and responsibilities and are involved in resolving disputes having adequate knowledge and skill on VC & AC law. In most of Union Parishad minimum 1 day per week is indicated for conducting Village Courts.

Disputes resolution through Mediation MLAA modernized the traditional “Salish” into an unbiased, participatory, and rights sensitive approach to conflict resolution known as the Madaripur Mediation Model (MMM). The MMM enables disputant parties to resolve family conflicts, community disputes, land disputes and minor criminal offences at a nominal cost and with minimal delay. Disputants usually prefer this method for conflict resolution and the success of the MMM is allowing the parties to address and work through the root cause of their problems. During the reporting period, the project received 3546 applications. Including 490 pending from previous period applications stood 4036. In total, 3040 disputes were resolved through Mediation, 59 disputes were referred to district court for filing case and due to absence of the applicants and lack of documentary or oral evidence 533 applications were rejected. Currently 404 disputes are pending to be resolved. Among the 3040 resolved disputes, 796 were related to family matter, 66 were assault, 02 was second marriage, 1332 were dowry related, 72 were community disputes, 159 were financial disputes, 509 were land disputes and other disputes under miscellaneous category were 104. Among the resolved disputes, by the help of members of CBOs participated as mediators of Shalish, the project recovered BDT. 12,59,85,500.00/- as cash and price of land. Which also include dower money, maintenance and compensation. Detailed information is given in Annex- E Result achieved

MLAA resolved 2196 disputes related to family matter, second marriage and dowry with the active participation of CBO members. Among the resolved disputes, in 1632 disputes wives and husbands are continuing their family life amicably.

Female CBO members are taking active roles in mediation and in 34.66% mediation session women CBO members have been taken part as president of the session.

The CBO members of mediation project of MLAA mediated some disputes on guardianship and help applicants to get their children through mediation. The number of rescued children was 06.

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Benefit of resolved disputes through Mediation

Result of Disputes Disputes resolved

% Amount in Taka

Marriage Continued 1632 53.69 0

Recovered of Maintenance &Denmohor / Divorce Executed including.

464 15.27 29559700.00

Child Rescued (6 Children) 20 0.65 68100.00

Compensation Recovered 185 6.09 7425100.00

Land Recovered (2911.34 Dec) 253 8.32 86442600.00

Money Recover in replace of Land (365.18dec.)

23 0.75 2490000.00

Mutual Settlement 463 15.23 0

Total 3040 100 12,59,85,500.00

Capacity Building

As a part of capacity building MLAA conducts training for its own staffs. Similarly, it organizes trainings and workshops for the advanced community people, CBOs, UP Chairmen and members, UP Secretaries, paralegals, panel lawyers, local lawyers, and local police. The above individuals are brought under various types of trainings so that the community people may enjoy a positive result regarding their rights issues get justice. Other organizations frequently request MLAA to provide them with training. During the reporting period MLAA organized 1401 courtyard meetings with the participation of 18671 household members. Among them 15970 (85.53%) were female and 2701 (14.47%) were male. MLAA formed Community Based Organizations (CBO) at Unions from the rural civil society members of the community which include UP representatives, teachers, women health workers, religious leaders, social activists, NGO workers, women group leaders and other social leaders from the wards and unions. There are two fold of CBO committee: ward level CBO and central level CBO. As it is a continuous process MLAA staffs regularly update the committees and replace one by another when any member is found inactive or got demise. In the reporting period, Ward CBOs conducted 1135 meetings, where 12703 members participated. Among them 5888 (46.35%) female and 6815 (53.47%) were male. Of all the ward CBO meetings, 618 meetings were (54.40%) presided by the women CBO members. During the reporting period, MLAA organized 129 central CBO meetings, where 1811 members participated. Of them 768 (42.40%) were female and 1043 (57.60%) were male. Out of 129 central CBO meetings, 57 meetings (44.18%) presided by the women CBO members. MLAA has taken special programs and care to develop the capacity of its staff with special focus to gender aspects in its programs. MLAA follows its gender policy to bring gender issue in the mainstream of all the activities MLAA organize project coordination meeting with all level of staff in every month. The main aim of these meetings is to review previous activities and finalize the forthcoming plan of action with relevant staff. In the reporting period MLAA organized 12 central meetings and 36 coordination meetings at district & upazilla level.

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Detailed information is given in Annex-F Result achieved CBO members are organized and directly participating in Mediation, Village Court and Arbitration Council session. Female CBO members are well trained and more than 50% meetings are presided over by the female members. A number of women are nominated by the parties as panel judge of Village Court. People of various sects actively take part in different awareness events, such as, courtyard meeting, campaigning, workshops etc. which is changing the attitude of rural inhabitants. Monitoring and Evaluation The monitoring cell of MLAA has taken significant steps to monitor and assess project progress in relation to the indicators set in the project log frame. It conducts sample survey to assess project progress and identifies issues related to project context and factors. MLAA applies various techniques for survey and analysis. However, it will develop further capacity particularly in sampling technique, statistical analysis and to draw lessons. Objectives The objective of this indicator based report is to assess the effectiveness of programme interventions. Sampling Sample Size: Sample has been drawn from working areas 3 districts 7Upazilla and 15 Unions of the working Union units has been covered and from each Union 5 resolved disputes chose 75 disputes at randomly in last 6 months mediated by those union. The M&E Cell has been conducted indicator assessment studies and found the following results: a) Indicator: By 2016, Madaripur Mediation Model (MMM) has been adopted and

implemented as an effective alternative dispute resolution system

After interviewed 75 beneficiaries in 15 unions, under 07 upazila of three working districts it found that, in the decision making process 92% mediation decision made through both party‟s opinion, 6.66 % decision taken by the board which was made by the parties opinion and 1.33% decision was imposed.

It has also seen in the assessment that Madaripur Mediation Model (MMM) has been adopted and implemented as because 62.66% CBO women has been taken part as mediator, 32%CBO men has been taken part as mediator and 5.33% locally mediated.

b) Indicator: By 2016, 50% women are playing leading role in the mediation

process within the working areas.

In the assessment M&E Cell interviewed 75 beneficiaries of mediation and find that in those mediation session 34.66% CBO women has been taken part as president of those session.

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c) Indicator: By 2016, 80% mediation decisions of the agreement made by the parties abide by and are getting the remedy.

It has also seen in the assessment that 87% decisions made parties abides by and are getting full remedy, 3% getting partial remedy and 10% decision made parties are not abides by.

90% beneficiaries have been satisfied over the decision taken in the mediation and 10% are not satisfied as because-

Not gotten full money of the mediation decision.

Divorce not wanted but she got separation.

Now husband absconded.

Land not gotten.

Dispute arises again

5. Problems faced

New VC Law was in acted in 2013 and UP representatives are yet to be aware on some procedure, so it created time for resolve disputes.

Proper and frequent monitoring from Government side to oversee the activities of Village Court.

Political unrest was one of the crucial factors in the first time of this period.

Lack of manpower and financial incentives to participate in local justice.

Due to the lengthy process of the existing laws, Complex legal framework and overall absence of congenial court environment for the poor and women in particular delayed in disposing cases.

A long time is needed to see the reflection of local level advocacy at the national level.

UP representatives are busy with multiple activities which hamper some time to perform their duties in local justice system.

6. Suggested action to meet the problems

Need to reform VC law in order to make Village Court more activate.

More initiatives to be taken to reform laws in order to make legal system less costly and easily accessible.

Govt. should take more initiative to activate VC & AC.

More discussion and awareness activities in needed to disseminate new VC Law.

Sensitizing the people and public representatives for ensuring implementation of function of Village Court and Arbitration Council.

Need a structural systems & procedures for better working relationship between GO & NGOs.

People‟s awareness on laws and human rights to be increased in rural society. They need more access to information for getting justice.

Build of networking with civil society members, CBOs and law enforcing agencies.

Need collective advocacy with civil society members, govt. agencies, human rights bodies and development partners to reform laws.

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7. Impact It is difficult to assess the multidimensional impact of the activities of a right-based organization on the target group such as in their economic, social, political and cultural rights. The economic impacts on the beneficiaries were discussed earlier. However, discussing the socio- cultural impacts of the project is far more difficult as there are multiple indicators and the experts in the field have not formally used the applications of these indicators. MLAA has also been advocating for reformation and new enactment identifying limitations and short-fall of laws focused the issues at national level in collaboration with other likeminded organizations. As a result of the relentless MLAA awareness campaign and advocacy initiatives in collaboration with other organizations, there was an expansion of pecuniary jurisdiction of the VC, and the shalish gaining institutional form through the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act 2003, which now mandates an option of settling civil disputes through mediation. In 2006 MLAA organized a national seminar on `Village Courts (VC): its viability & limitation‟ at Press Club, Dhaka to draw the attention of policy makers towards necessary reforms for overcoming obstacles. As a part of that initiative Bangladesh government revised the Village Courts Ordinance 1976 and enacted Village Court Act in 2006 and the financial jurisdiction of the courts was increased from Tk.5000 to Tk.25000. Afterward financial jurisdiction was increased Tk.75000 according to the amended act in 2013. Tackling issues of poverty reduction, gender equality and women's empowerment: Through MLAA's work, both women's awareness of their own rights and the attitude towards women during participation in the social activities have changed for the better. Women are better placed to raise their voices in defending their rights and dignity, through increased participation in the local justice systems, strong and consistent participation in CBOs, and in AC/VC related activities. Domestic violence is the most pervasive violation of rights of women and children. Due to MLAA's intervention, incidents of domestic violence have decreased considerably, as has the number of litigations in court (within MLAA's working areas), in comparison to previous years. Poor people, particular women, feel more safe and secure as they are able to access justice at formal courts. Through the courts, they receive their economic and property entitlements without costs, and gain redress in dowry, divorce and polygamy related cases. Measuring Mediation Successes: Mediation avoids the negative impacts of litigation in cases of minor disputes and utilizes participatory roles to solve problems, which ensures social harmony and enhanced confidence of the parties. Resources and time saved by rural people through mediation are utilized to better their economic conditions. Use of mediation services has reduced the levels of fatwabaji deterring local religious fundamentals from administering their own brand of justice. In fact, MLAA has succeeded in penetrating the corrupt and imbalanced rural power dynamics through facilitating spontaneous participation of the rural people. As a result of various trainings and workshops, CBO members and UP representatives are confident in carrying out their duties and obligations efficiently, rural people have increased awareness of local justice systems, and the Upazila and District-level

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administration are cooperative towards UP judicial service. The rural locals, particularly the poor sections, prefer to appear before UP for getting legal redress on minor disputes with minimum efforts, time and expenses. Resolving disputes locally on the basis of mutual agreement and understanding helps to maintain social harmony and peaceful coexistence between the parties putting an end to short or long run rivalry, enmity and misunderstanding.

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8. Annexure:

Annex- A Advocacy a) Quarterly newsletter of MLAA:

Issues Publishing time No of copies October-December 2015 December 2015 1500

April-June 2016 June 2016 1500

Total 02 Issues 3000

b) Publication of law and human rights books:

Issues Publishing time No of copies 02 issues July 2015 and January 2015 3000

Total 3000

c) International day observation S/L No

Event Venue Date Activity organized Participants

Female Male Total

1. International Women Day

MLAA 8 March 2015 Debating, game show, round table discussion, fair on women empowerment issue, poetry recitation and Prize giving

197 113 310

Total 197 113 310

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Annex-B Access to formal and informal justice a) Free Legal Assistance Provide Court Support Districts Previous

Pending Case Filed

Total Case

Handled

Court Verdict Default /Reject

Compromised Total Present Pending Favor Against

Madaripur 344 120 464 85 5 10 51 151 313

Shariatpur 191 55 246 30 6 17 48 101 145

Gopalgonj 80 41 121 33 12 6 9 60 61

Total 615 216 831 148 23 33 108 312 519

Nature-wise disposed cases

Type Cases filed Cases disposed

Female Male Total % Female Male Total %

Criminal 39 172 211 97.69 144 99 243 77.88 Family 2 0 2 0.92 45 0 45 14.42 Land 1 1 2 0.92 4 11 15 4.81 Appeals 0 1 1 0.47 7 2 9 2.89

Total 42 174 216 100 200 112 312 100

Direct benefit of disposed cases

Result of cases No of Cases

Description of result

Family Case 3 In 03 cases clients received BDT. 3,47,000/- as

maintenance and dower money and preferred separation.

Clients Free 34 38 persons are freed from charges.

Marriage Continued 14 In 14 cases marriage continued through compromised

Mutual Compromised

44 BDT. 5,00,000/- is recovered as dower money in 27 cases.

Imprisonment and compensation

104 A total of 20 years imprisonment is given to 41 persons and BDT. 30,000/- taka is fined for 61 persons.

Appeal (Land) 2 In two cases 47 decimal land is recovered which approximately amount of 2,00,000/-.

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b) Dispute resolution through Mediation Analysis of applications & settlement through mediation

District

Previous Pending

Application Received

Total

Mediation Done

Recom. Case Reject

Total

Present Pending

Disposed Locally

F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M

Madaripur 155 143 1098 783 1253 926 945 643 33 1 163 184 1141 828 112 98 110 77

Shariatpur 89 64 833 575 922 639 738 507 24 0 73 87 835 594 87 45 146 78

Gopalgonj 29 10 181 76 210 86 152 55 1 0 19 7 172 62 38 24 6 6

Total 273 217 2112 143

4 2385 1651 1835 120

5 58 1 255 278 2148 148

4 237 167 262 161

Grand 490 3546 4036 3040 59 533 3632 404 423

Nature-wise resolved disputes of Mediation

District Family Matter

Assault

Second Marriage

Dowry

Social Disputes

Financial Matter

Land Disputes

Misc.

Total

F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M

Madaripur 127 260 7 6 0 0 699 0 14 27 25 70 56 261 17 19 945 643

Shariatpur 109 247 23 23 2 0 515 0 10 21 19 26 34 149 26 41 738 507

Gopalgonj 19 34 3 4 0 0 118 0 0 0 8 11 5 4 0 1 153 54

Total 255 541 33 33 2 0 1332 0 24 48 52 107 95 414 43 61 1836 1204

Grand 796 66 2 1332 72 159 509 104 3040

Direct benefit of resolved disputes through Mediation

Result of Disputes Disputes resolved

% Amount in Taka

Marriage Continued 1632 53.69 0

Recovered of Maintenance & Denmohor / Divorce Executed including.

464 15.27 29559700.00

Child Rescued (6 Children) 20 0.65 68100.00

Compensation Recovered 185 6.09 7425100.00

Land Recovered (2911.34 Dec) 253 8.32 86442600.00

Money Recover in replace of Land (365.18dec.)

23 0.75 2490000.00

Mutual Settlement 463 15.23 0

Total 3040 100 12,59,85,500.00

c) Dispute resolution through VC Analysis of VC cases

Thana / District

Previous Pending

Application Received

Total

Case Resolve

(VC)

Rejected

Case Trans

fer

Total

Present Pending

Disposed at Locally

F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M

Madaripur 6 26 146 210 152 236 140 196 6 25 0 0 146 221 6 15 34 41

Shariatpur 6 14 245 238 251 252 241 210 7 31 0 2 248 243 3 9 39 47

Gopalgonj 3 7 14 54 17 61 14 54 0 0 0 0 14 54 3 7 0 0

Total 15 47 405 502 420 549 395 460 13 56 0 2 408 518 12 31 73 88

Gr. Total 62 907 969 855 69 2 926 43 161

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Nature of disposed cases of VC

Districts Criminal Civil Total

Female Male Female

Male Female Male

Madaripur 140 196 0 0 140 196

Shariatpur 243 203 1 4 244 207

Gopalgonj 13 49 1 5 14 54

Total 396 448 2 9 398 457

Grand Total 844 11 855

3.2.c) Direct benefit through disposed cases of VC

SN Criminal No. of Dispute BDT.

1. Amicable Settlement 475 0

2. Compensation 183 1157250.00

3. Money Recover 186 5790119.00

Sub-Total 844 69,47,369.00

Civil

1. Amicable Settlement 1 0

2. Money Recover 1 5000.00

3. Land Recover 29dec. 9 930000.00

4. Compensation 0 0

Sub-Total 11 9,35,000.00

Grand Total 855 78,82,369.00

d) Dispute Resolution through AC 3.3.a) Analysis of application & Dispute Resolution through AC

District

Previous Application Total

Dispute Reject

Recom Total

Present Disposed Locally Pending Received Resolved Case Pending

F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M

Madaripur 10 0 137 16 147 16 131 6 11 6 0 0 142 12 5 4 18 2

Shariatpur 15 7 238 36 253 43 181 14 59 27 0 0 240 41 13 2 24 2

Gopalgonj 2 0 17 2 19 2 16 2 0 0 0 0 16 2 3 0 1 0

Sub-Total 27 7 392 54 419 61 328 22 70 33 0 0 398 55 21 6 43 4

Grand 34 446 480 350 103 0 453 27 47

Nature-wise resolved disputes of AC

Districts Maintenance Divorce Polygamy Total

Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male

Madaripur 104 0 27 6 0 0 131 6

Shariatpur 152 0 29 14 0 0 181 14

Gopalgonj 15 0 1 1 0 1 16 2

Sub-Total 271 0 57 21 0 1 328 22

Grand Total

271 78 1 350

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Direct benefit through disputes resolved of AC

Result of disputes No. of disputes % Amount in Tk

Marriage Continued 283 80.86 0

Maintenance Provided 11 3.14 33000.00

Mutual Settlement 8 2.29 0

Divorce Executed 47 13.42 0

Polygamy/yes 1 0.29 0

Total 350 100 33000.00

Annex-C Increased capacity building of duty bearers to activate local level justice a) Courtyard meeting with household members

Name of District

NOM Total Participant

Female Male Total

Madaripur 772 8787 1391 10178

Shariatpur 520 5766 1199 6965

Gopalgonj 109 1417 111 1528

Total 1401 15970 2701 18671

b) Monthly ward CBO meeting

Districts No of meeting

Meeting presided by Participants

Female Male Female Male Total

Madaripur 552 281 271 2796 3349 6145

Shariatpur 511 293 218 2726 2991 5717

Gopalgonj 72 44 28 366 475 841

Total 1135 618 517 5888 6815 12703

c) Quarterly coordination meeting with union / central CBO members

Districts No of

Meeting

Meeting presided by Participants

Female Male Female Male Total

Madaripur 61 26 35 356 464 820

Shariatpur 60 28 32 380 502 882

Gopalgonj 8 3 5 32 77 109

Total 129 57 72 768 1043 1811

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9. Information of other Projects of MLAA:

Project -01: Project Name: Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Objectives: Improved access to justice of the disadvantaged and marginalized people, especially women. Specific Objectives:

Increased capacity and developed skill of the duty bearers and stakeholders.

UP are strengthened for enabling to activate VC according to law and procedure

Many people are aware and empowered on VC and Mediation

Mobilized and sensitized relevant stakeholders with regards to advocacy and communication.

Donor: UNDP-Bangladesh & European Union Project Area: Total 136 UPs in 22 Upazillas in 4 Districts of Dhaka Division

Gopalganj : 3 Upazillaz (Moksedpur, Kashianai & Kotalipara) : 30 Unions

Faridpur: 6 Upazillas (Sadar, Modhukhali, Nagarkanda, Bhanga, Boalmari & Salta) : 41 Unions

Rajbari: 5 Upazilla (Sadar, Baliakandi, Goalanda, Pangsha & Kalukhali) : 30 Unions

Koshoreganj: 8 Upazillas (Kishoregonj Sadar, Hossainpur, Pakundia, Katiadi, Bhoirab, Mithamayeen, Itna & Ostogram) : 35 Unions.

Reporting period: July 2015 to November 2015 Project Background: Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA) has been working in the field of access to justice and Human Rights with a vision of establishing a just society. Since 2001 MLAA has taken initiatives to activate the UP judicial system to strengthen the local justice system through a collaborative approach with Local Govt. Division of the Ministry of LGRD & Cooperatives, UNDP & EU implementing a project „Activating Village Court in Bangladesh‟. Under the project MLAA have been working in Dhaka Division covering 4 districts, 22 Upazillas and 136 UPs. Achievement of the Project The reporting period is the later part of its 2nd extension period. All the awareness and social mobilization programs ended before. The project only worked for make VC functional as usual. The summery performance of Village Courts is as follows:

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Village Court Performance in Brief

Sl. Description Number Remarks

1. Total number of pending (during last reporting period) disputes

562

2. No. of disputes reported during reporting period 2171

3. No. of disputes transferred from district Courts 178

4. Total No. of disputes (1+2+3) 2911

5. Resolved through VCs 1863

6. Resolved case through pre- trial 607

7. No. of disputes resolved following rule 33 14

8. No. of petition dismissed for default 189

9. No. of disputes forwarded from VCs to concern criminal courts

4

10. Total No. of disputes dissolved (5+6+7+8+9) 2677

11. Total No. of pending disputes at end of reporting period (4-10)

234

12. No. of Implemented Cases (Resolved by VC & rule 33)

2539

13. No. of members in the panel (Consider only resolve case of column-5 and 6)

11546

Brief Financial Statement

i) Amount of Money (in BDT) realized as a compensation from Criminal cases during reporting Period

13523668.00

ii) Amount of Money (in BDT) realized as a compensation from Civil cases during reporting Period

1868787.00

iii) Amount of land recovered (in Decimal) during reporting period

186.75

iv) Approximate price of recovered land (in BDT) during reporting period

2997175.00

v) Amount money collected against land (if any) during reporting period

-

a) Amount of Land (in Decimal) 43.5

b) Amount of money collected (in BDT) 272000.00

vi) If recovered mobile phone, bicycle, etc. have not covered above, please mention prices of these in Taka

-

vii) Total amount of Money received as compensation during the reporting period

1,86,61,630.00

***

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Project-02. Project title: Access to Justice through Community Legal Service Donor : Maxwell Stamp PLC –DFID Reporting period: July 2015 – June 2016 Objectives:

To establish CLS in areas that have yet to be exposed to interventions aimed at improving the formal or informal justice system.

To build the capacity of the target communities to demand and deliver justice. Working Area: District-04 (Barisal, Pirojpur, shariatpur & Madaripur), Upazilla-10 and Union- 70. Performance 1. Courtyard meeting: To aware the community, particularly women about local

justice system is the main purpose of this meeting. MLAA organised 4150 courtyard meetings in this period with the participation of 62338 household members.

2. Workshop for CBO members on Village Court (VC), Arbitration Council (AC), and Mediation & Law: During this quarter MLAA conducted 61 Union level workshops, where 2347 members were participated.

3. Quarterly Ward CBO Meeting: During this Quarter, Ward CBO conducted 2669 meetings, where 28074 members were participated.

4. Half-Yearly meeting with Union (central) CBO members: In the reporting period, MLAA organized 149 central CBO meetings, where 1552 members participated.

5. Street Drama: During the reporting period 66 street dramas were organised at union level to focus the activities of AC, VC & Mediation. Approximately 43459 persons from village community observed the drama shows.

6. Observation of National & International Days: MLAA observed 6 International Days, Human Rights Day on 10 December 2015 and Women‟s day in 8 March 2016, and National Legal Aid day. Various Programs like Rally, Discussion Meeting, and Competition for Students etc. were arranged to observe the day. Total 1620 participants were participated in these programs.

7. Workshop on Human Rights and Law for Madrasa Students: During this quarter, MLAA facilitated 25 Human rights and Law workshops for Madrasa students in Barisal, Pirojpur, Madaripur and Shariatpur districts of the working area of the project. A total number of 998 students participated in the said workshops.

8. Workshop on HR and Law for Imam, Religious Leaders and Madrasa Teacher: During this quarter, MLAA facilitated 9 Human rights and Law workshops for Imam, Religious Leaders and Madrasa Teacher. A total number of 249 Leaders were participated in the said workshops.

9. Disputes settled through Mediation: During the reporting period, MLAA received 5840 applications through union workers and Upazilla offices in different districts throughout the year. With 567 previous pending applications, project has dealt in total 6407 application. This period 5008 disputes were resolved through Mediation. At the end of the quarter 593 disputes are pending to be resolved. Among the resolved disputes 1456 by the help of members of CBOs through Shalish, the

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project have recovered Tk. 105,677,181.00/- in cash as cash and land price which include dower, maintenance, compensation and land.

10. Case Disposed through Village Courts (VC): During the reporting period the Village Courts in 70 UPs received a total of 1356 applications and including 139 pending total application stands 1495. Among them 1185 were disposed, and 113 cases are pending. In 632 cases out of 1185 resolved cases parties got a total compensation and recovery in cash and kind amounting Tk. 10,772,270.00/-. The amount includes compensations, recovery of loans & money transactions and recovery of land. 553 cases were settled amicably through mutual understanding and compromise.

11. Court Case Support: During the reporting period, MLAA filed 53 cases. With 66 previous pending MLAA have been providing Legal Aid and Support to 119 cases in Barisal, Pirojpur, Madaripur and Shariatpur Districts.

12. Legal Advice/ Counseling :During reporting period project has provided legal advices to 218 people those who came for, following is the typology of problems they are facing and have provided with legal advise and information on Land and Property related problems, Domestic violence, Land related laws and dispute resolution, Divorce related problems, Second Marriage related problems systems & related laws, Filing Case for illegal issues, Second Marriage, Money recovery related advice, Child Marriage Prohibition Laws, To get support of DLAC for running case, Family matter, Women & Child abuse related problem advised to precede a general diary at local Police Station etc.

13. Project Planning Workshop: MLAA conducted 1Project Planning Workshop to Design and share the ideas about preparing Implementation Plan and Strategies for the Community Legal Services Project. Total 23 staffs of different segments were participated in the Planning Workshop.

14. Upazilla Sensitization Workshop: MLAA has conducted 7 Upazilla Sensitization workshops with government officials, UP Representatives and CBO members at 10 Upazillas in Madaripur, Shariatpur, Barisal and Pirojpur District to increase cooperation and coordination with CLS program activities and to sensitize them on CLS program activities. Total 210 people were participated in the meetings.

15. Advocacy workshop at District level: MLAA organized 2 Advocacy workshops at Barisal and Pirojpur district with relevant members of Govt. Legal Aid (DLAC, UZLAC & ULAC) to activate the Govt. Legal Aid service for enhancing the activities of Community Legal Services. Total 69 participants were participated in the said programs.

16. Workshop on Gender & Local Justice : During this quarter MLAA conducted 66 workshops on Gender & Local justice issues with 1316 Union level advanced women in order to make them gender conscious and aware about rights.

17. Meeting with UPLAC member: MLAA conducted 135 coordination meeting with Union Legal Aid Committee members at Barisal, pirojpur , Madaripur and Shariatpur District to activate them and increase cooperation to CLS program activities and DLAC. Meetings were conducted at union level and total 1294 Participants were participated in the said Programs.

18. Meeting with UzLAC member: MLAA conducted 17 coordination meeting with Upazilla Legal Aid Committee members at Pirojpur and Maadaripur Districts to activate them and increase cooperation to CLS program activities and DLAC. Meetings were conducted at Upazilla level and total 181 Participants were participated in the said Programs.

19. Monthly Upazilla & District Coordination Meeting : During the reporting period the project arranged 136 monthly coordination meeting at Madaripur, Barisal and Pirojpur district with participation of Union workers, supervisors, Upazilla Managers

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and District level staffs of the project. Total 1628 staffs from different areas of the project were participated in these Coordination meeting.

20. Refreshers Training for Project Staffs: During the reporting period the project arranged 5 Refreshers Training Courses on „Necessity & technique of Mediation, Village Court, Arbitration Council, Human Rights and necessary Laws relevant with local justice. A total of 109 (33 female, 76 male) Union workers, Supervisors, Upazilla Managers and district & Project level staffs were participated in those training courses.

21. Basic Training for Pourashava CBO members: MLAA also formed CBOs in Paurasha level with the participation of local people from deferent segments and wards of the Municipality. During the reporting period MLAA conducted 3 Basic Training courses for Paurashava level CBO members on Village Court, Arbitration Council, Mediation and Necessary Laws, where 65 CBO members (27 female and 38 male) were participated. After attending the above Training the participants become more skilled to conduct and facilitate the mediation session.

22. Refresher’s Training for Union CBO Members on Village Court, Arbitration

Council, Mediation and Necessary Laws: MLAA also formed CBOs in Union level with the participation of local people from deferent segments and wards of the Union. During the reporting period MLAA conducted 30Training courses for Union level CBO members, where 704 CBO members (295 female and 309 male) were participated. After attending the above Training the participants become more skilled to conduct and facilitate the mediation session.

23. Refresher’s Training for UP Representatives on Village Court, Arbitration Council, Mediation and Necessary Laws: It is essential to provide legal and procedural knowledge to the UP representatives for strengthen local justice particularly activate Village Court and Arbitration Council. With this aim MLAA arranged 27 training courses for UP representatives of Barisal and Pirojpur districts about village court, Arbitration Council, laws, mediation techniqes etc. in this quarter. In this training 661 representatives were participated. Of them 159 were female and 402 were male.

24. Quarterly Monitoring Report: Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure transparency in the on-going activities and for institutional capacity building. To meet this end, the monitoring cell has been conducted process monitoring and provides reports with recommendation for improving quality of inputs. In this reporting period MLAA CLS M&E cell has conducted 4 indicators based monitoring on CLS activities. Each periodic Monitoring report contains different issue or information. It has been found in the analysis that, 88.5% decision of the mediation fully carried out and 11.5% not carried out, 73.8% decision of the mediation were taken according to the opinion of both party, Satisfaction of the disputing parties:- 83.6% fully satisfied, 16.4% partially satisfied. Regarding village court order implemented fully 87.9% and partially 12.1% and Village court beneficiaries are 91.4% satisfied.

***

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Project: 03. Title of the project: Improvement of the Real Situation of Overcrowding in Prisons in Bangladesh Donor: GIZ, Bangladesh Reporting period: July-2014 to June -2015 Introduction: The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prison Directorate have jointly initiated a project named Improvement of the Real Situation of Overcrowding in Prisons in Bangladesh where. The project supported by the German Government through the Deuthche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbit (GIZ) GmbH with an aim to reduce the overcrowding in the prisons of Bangladesh as well as speedy disposal of under trial cases within existing legal framework. Madaripur Legal Aid Association is the implementing partner of this project for Madaripur district. Five paralegals are working under this project for Madaripur pilot site and 1 focal person is coordinating all the activities on behalf of MLAA. Overall objective: To reduce the overcrowding in Prisons in Bangladesh; Specific objective: Overcrowding reduction in prisons in Dhaka, Bogra, and Madaripur; Speedy disposal of under trial cases within existing legal framework; Introduce paralegals into the criminal justice agency process (Prisons, courts, police

station) Performance: Released from Prison

In this reporting period, paralegals have assisted Total – 1258 ( Male-1138, Female-

208 & Juvenile- 10 ) Total Released on Bail- 180 ( Male-164, Female -14), Total Safe

Custody- 2 (Juvenile-02), Total Discharged/ - 68 (Male-62, Female-06), Total FRT-10

(Male-8, Female-01, Juvenile-01), Total Acquitted - 4 (Male-3, Female-1), Total

released after guilty plea- 36 (Male-35, Juvenile-1). But after deducting the number 28

(previously released but now discharged, FRT, acquitted) The total number of

released is 280 (Male-254, Female-19,Juvenile-7).

Intervention in Pre Bail/Release

Contact with family/relatives: - In the reporting period paralegals contacted 1075 ( Male-887, Female-177,Juvenile- 11) families/relatives at pre bail stages.

Refer to DLAC: - In the reporting period 163 (Male-152, Female-10, Juvenile-1) cases were sent to DLAC.

Collect Case Document: - In the reporting period paralegals collected 48 (Male -42, Female -05 & Juvenile -01) necessary case related documents from court, prison and police station.

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Collect & Provide Information of On Call: - In the reporting period paralegals collected & provided 199 (Male-191, Female-08) “On Call” information.

Collect Vokalatnama :- In the reporting period 153 ( Male-137, Female-04, Juvenile -02) vokalatnama has been collected by the paralegal.

Lawyers Follow Up :- In the reporting period 758 ( Male-619, Female-135, Juvenile -04) followed up with lawyers have been made by paralegals.

Pre-bail Counseling: In the reporting period paralegals provided 1201 (Male-989, Female-200, Juvenile – 12 ) pre-bail counseling to the prisoners.

Communicate Court to Send Conviction Warrant: - In the reporting period 17 ( Male-17) communication with court has been made by paralegals for the purpose of sending conviction warrant to prison.

Submit/furnish Bail Bond :- In the reporting period 123 ( Male-110, Female-12, Juvenile- 1) assistance has been made by paralegals to submit/furnish bail bond for the prisoners.

Deposit Fine for Conviction: - In the reporting period 21 ( Male-20, Female-00 Juvenile –03) assistance has been made by paralegals for depositing fine for conviction. Find out sureties:-In the reporting period paralegals assisted to find out sureties for 107 (Male-94, Female-10, and Juvenile-03) prisoners.

Intervention in Post Bail/Release:

Post-Bail Counselling: - In the reporting period paralegals provided 284 ( Male-248, Female-33, Juvenile-03) post-bail counselling.

Follow Up Cases :-In the reporting period paralegals followed up 146 ( Male-129, Female-12, Juvenile -01) cases.

Contact with families/Relatives:- In the reporting period paralegals contacted 226 ( Male-199, Female-26, Juvenile-01) families/relatives at post bail stages.

Total Number of Intervention

During this reporting period total number of intervention in respect of prison at pre and

post bail/release stages is 5848 (Male-4968, Female- 813, Juvenile -67)

2. Achievement at Police Station:- During the reporting period paralegals assisted

436 ( Male- 292, Female-144, Juvenile- 00) number of persons instantly at police

station and the total number of interventions are 829 ( Male-555, Female-274, Juvenile-

00).

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3. Achievement at Court:- During the reporting period paralegals provided 4444 (

Male-3237, Female-1207) number of persons instantly at court and the total number of

interventions are 8131 ( Male-5925, Female-2206).

4. Update On Project Activities:-

Interactive Paralegal Aid Clinic (PLC) :-To empower prisoners with basic legal

knowledge IRSOP project arranged Interactive Paralegal Aid Clinic (PLC) in the prison.

In the reporting period 280 PLC held where 3055 ( Male- 2525 , Female-530 ) prisoners

attended in such PLC. Total 517 numbers of prisoner sought legal assistance in such

PLC.

Visit to prison:- Paralegals regularly visited in prison in our MLAA project area.

Visit to police station:- Paralegals visited all police stations in our project area once in

a month to collect information about the cases.

Visit to court:- Paralegals regularly visited court to collect case documents,

5. Meeting concern :-

Meeting with the Case Coordination Committee (CCC) : - During this reporting

period 36 ( thirty six) Case Coordination Committee (CCC) meetings were held in

Madaripur on monthly basis.

Monthly Project Meeting: - During this reporting period 36 ( Thirty six) monthly project

meeting held at the project office.

Monthly Paralegals Meeting : The total number of 36 ( Thirty six) monthly paralegal

meeting held at the project office in presence of paralegals and focal person regarding

immediate follow up of CCC direction and guidelines during this reporting period.

DLAC Meeting:- The total number of 36 (Thirty six) meeting of District Legal Aid

Committee presided over by Honorable District and Session Judge,

Monthly Law Discussion Meeting: DPO discuss the project activity related law

meeting with Paralegal. In this reporting month 60 law meeting were held in monthly

basis.

***

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Project-04. Title of the Project: Justice Reform and Corruption Prevent (JRCP) Project Donor: German Technical Cooperation (GIZ) Reporting period: July 2014 to June 2015 Introduction: MLAA has been working to build a society where people can live in peace. The keystone of such a vision is access to justice, and our energies, therefore, focus on our beneficiaries‟ rights to equality before the law and equal protection of the law through establish rule of law. Ensuring the rule of law is the most important task for any government. And strengthen the judiciary is the key factor for successful transition, economic and social development of the country. But due to corruption in all level including judicial process people are disappointed to get justice and facing problems. So sometimes getting justice is a far cry for the people. Considering this situation, MLAA has been undertaken a pilot project on „Justice Reform and Corruption Prevention (JRCP)‟ .which is a strategy to strengthen of social movement against corruption for promoting good governance in Bangladesh. Objective: Corruption prevention mechanisms are activated through building awareness among people. Working Area : District: 01, Madaripur. Upazilla: 02, Madaripur Sadar & Rajoir, Unions: 15, Wards: 30 Performance 1) To raise mass awareness

International child rights day (20 November 2015): International child rights day also arranged Rally and discussion meeting, rally participants are IU school students in Madaripur Sadar in 50 students, IU teacher CPC, CPF and also Mlaa staff participated here. Organized at M M Hafiz Public memorial Library, New Town, Madaripur. Total participants were 125 (Female 50, Male 75).

International day on Violence against women: Madaripur Sadar and Rajoir Upazila a rally, discussion, Jari song and theater were arranged on International day on violence against women‟s day. Among others two Upazila UNO, Women‟s affairs officer, Executive of different NGOs, CPC, CPF members, Integrity unit, Women leaders and MLAA staffs were participated. Total 550 members were present among them 320 were Female and 230 were Male.

Corruption prevention day (9 December 2015): Corruption prevention day 9 December 2014. On that day the project arranged rally and discussion meeting. Corruption prevention art competition prize giving ceremony in Madaripur & Rajoir Upazilla. Participants were IU members of our project area schools in Madaripur Sadar, Rajior IU teachers, CPC, CPF members and MLAA staff. Total participants 390.

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National victory day (16 December 2015): On the celebration of National victory day (16 December) was arranged Madaripur and Rajoir on that day the project arranged Flower Vass giving in Shahid Minar on the presents of CPC president. Rally, student lesion of oath, students pared & display in the presents of CPC member and Participants were different school and IU members of schools in Madaripur and Rajior Upazilla, IU teachers, CPC, CPF members and also JRCP staff. (Total participant 241, female were 110, male were 131)

International Mother Language day: District and Upazila level a rally was arranged on 21st February with participation of project area CPC members, CPF members, Integrity Units Teacher-Students, MLAA staffs and GIZ staff. Total participants were tentative 388 (female 203, male 185).

Independent day (26 March 2015): Arranged essay Competition, for the students of 20 High Schools and 1st, 2nd & 3rd awarded were given prize through different ceremonies attended by DC, SP, DD-ACC, CPC, Integrity Unit‟s Teacher-Students and MLAA staffs. Participant were female 192, male 110 and total 302.

Corruption prevention week (26 March to 1 April 2015): On the celebration of National victory day was arranged Madaripur and Rajoir on that day the project arranged Flower Vass giving in Sshahid Minar on the presents of CPC president. Rally, student lesion of oath, students pared & display in the presents of CPC member and Participants were different school and IU members of Ten schools in Madaripur and Rajior Upazilla, IU teachers, CPC, CPF members and also JRCP staff.

Workshop with Trainer group for sharing: Workshop held with Master Trainer (Female 9, Male 8) group for sharing meeting at TARC, Madaripur Legal Aid Association. Participants of Mymenshing training 9-12 May 2014 opinion training experience sharing. They have knowledge idea about „Sattoa Sanga‟. Although in the workshop we shared project Goal, Objective, Activity, project area and also „Sattoa Sanga‟.

Workshop with Govt. staffs: Workshop was arranged Madaripur Sadar Upazilla and Rajoir Upazilla with participation of UNO, AC land, Polly Unnayan officer, Food inspector, Marriages Register, Dist. Muktijodtha Commander, Education Officer, Sub-Dist, Health Officer, Fisher‟s Officer, Sub-Dist. Agriculture Officer, NGO‟s Head, CPC, CPF and Integrity Units Teacher. The main objective was against focusing the massage of corruption prevention. Total participants 40 members (female 5, male 35).

2) Coordination and empowerment of CPC, CPF, IUs and Media

2.1) Quarterly coordination meeting with CPC: CPC Coordination meeting arrange

Training and Resource Center, MLAA. Attend participated Madaripur Sadar, Rajoir, Kalkini and Shibchar Upazila CPC member and other stakeholder. 3 Nos. of meeting, out of total 95 participants 20 are female, 75 male.

2.2) Monthly meeting with District and Upazila CPC meeting: The meeting was held at Training & Resource Center of Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA) and Upazila meeting were arrange Rajoir Upazila office with participation of 23 nos. meeting out of total 231 members (female 66, male 165).

2.3) Monthly meeting with CPF: 165 Nos of CPF meetings. Out of total 2736 members 777 are female and 1959 male.

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2.4) Quarterly meeting with media: Electick and printing media members were arrange quarterly meeting at TARC. Total 61 members 6 are female 55 male attend 2 meeting.

2.5) Workshop with advisory council Of IU and head teacher: Workshop was arranged on at Madaripur Sadar and Rajoir Upazilla with participation of advisory council members of IU and CPC members. Total 62 participants were female 16, male 46 attend 2 workshop.

2.6) Meeting with Integrity Unit members: 121 „satota sanga‟ meetings were arranged. Tropics were to inform about Project Goal, activities and about role of the members of satota sango. Total participants were 1950 (male teacher 368, female teacher 239 and student 1343).

3) Improvement of service delivery in Hospital and Union Parishad

3.1) Advocacy meeting with UP rep. and CPF: Madaripur & Rajoir District & Sub District Union Meeting achievement 12. Union Meeting organized our project field Organizer in her responsible area, Madaripur Legal Aid Association. Participant‟s nature is Chairman, UP member, CPF, CPC, Local elite person. Total participants 533 (female 139, male 394)

3.2) Six monthly meeting with UHC: Meeting arrange rajoir Upazila Healtg Complex with CPC and UHC staffs. One meeting participants 33 (female 17, male 16).

4) Coordination of project staff and their skill development

4.1) Monthly staff coordination meeting: Every month meeting were arranged JRCP Project office. In this meeting Subject was monthly activity, activity achieves, challenged and overcome. Total 6 Nos. of meeting.

4.2) Six monthly planning meeting with stakeholders: 2 Nos. day long workshop at TARC, MLAA. 61 Participants (Female 13, male 48) including Deputy Director, ACC, GIZ staffs, District and Sub-District CPC, CPF members, Integrity Unit‟s Teacher & Student, District and Sub District Education Officer, SI of Police and MLAA staffs.

***

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Project- 05. Title of the Project: Promoting Access to Justice through Enhanced Responsiveness and Accountability of Communities and Public Institutions. Donor: Manusher Jonno Faundation (MJF) Reporting period: July 2015 to June 2016 Introduction: Given the demand for alternatives to the formal justice system, MLAA has partnered with several NGOs across 42 unions throughout the country to introduce the Madaripur Mediation Model (MMM) and activate the Village Courts (VC). The unions selected are extremely poor, have a weak informal justice systems, and dormant Village Courts. Objective: Activate and enhance responsiveness of public institutions and communities to deliver effective access to justice and essential social services to the poor, women, children, religious / ethnic minorities and other marginalized groups. Working Area : 05 districts (Rajbari, Jessor, Sirajgong, Meherpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagar), 42 Unions. Performance a) Disputes Resolution through Mediation: The project dealt with a total of 2953 disputes (of which 2775 new applications – 1474 female applicants; 1301 male applicants). The CBOs resolved 2623 disputes(1397 of female applicants; 1226 of male applicants), 147 applications were rejected, 55 were referred to court, and 128 remained pending. The project reached a total of 5274 direct beneficiaries and 19761 indirect beneficiaries, such as, dependent family members, and recovered a total of Taka 9,63,44,755.00 (Nine core, Sixty Three lac, Forty four thousand Seven hundred and Fifty five), which included cash payments (total Tk 10363610.00) and recovery of 3101.35 decimal of land (estimated value of Taka 84830500). In addition, 995 couples resolved their differences and decided to stay married.

Prv. Pending

A. Received Total D. Resolve Rejected

Referred to Court Total

P. Pending

F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M

73 105 1474 1301 1547 1406 1397 1226 56 91 49 6 1502 1323 45 83

178 2775 2953 2623 147 55 2825 128

b) Disputes Resolution through Village Court: The project dealt with a total of 2361 cases in the VCs (including 2249 new applications). The courts dispose 2188 cases (1886 criminal cases; 302 civil cases), 79 rejected (usually due to non-appearance of parties, and 94 remained pending). There

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were 6283 direct beneficiaries and 25832 indirect beneficiaries from VC orders. A total of Tk 2,11,29,110.00 (Two core Eleven lacs, , Twenty nine Thousand One hundred and Ten only) was recovered (Tk 5213935 in criminal cases; Tk 580130.00 in civil cases, and Tk 18134620.00 as estimated value of recovered 1963.51 decima. of land).

Nature Prv.

Pending A.

Received Total D. Resolve Rejected Recommendation Total Pre.

Pending

Criminal

Total 36 59 636 1298 672 1357 620 1266 23 39 0 0 643 1305 29 52

Civil Total 1 16 26 289 27 305 19 283 4 13 0 0 23 296 4 9

Criminal + Civil

Total 37 75 662 1587 699 1662 639 1549 27 52 0 0 666 1601 33 61

G. Total 112 2249 2361 2188 79 0 2267 94

c) Court case support through DLAC To support poor people, particularly women for establishing their legal rights project referred clients to DLAC for filing case in formal court. During the reporting period, 162 cases were handled which included 92 newly filed cases and 70 pending cases from the previous year. Among them 135 cases were disposed and 27 are now pending.

Prv. Pending A. Received Total D. Resolve Pre. Pending

70 92 162 135 27

d) Courtyard meeting with household members on AC, VC & Mediation The aim of the courtyard meeting is to spread awareness and help the grassroots people, especially for rural women on legal issues, as awareness is the prerequisite for making any activities more fruitful and effective. Through the meetings participants are encouraged to know about and use the Mediation, Village Court and Arbitration Council for easy and effective conflict resolution. Project facilitated 1503 courtyard meetings with the participants of 28073 household members

Number of Number of Participants Remarks

Meetings Female Male Total

1503 28073 0 28073

e) Meeting with WMC members on AC, VC & Mediation MLAA formed Community Based Organizations (CBO) in 90 Unions from the rural civil society members of the community which include UP representatives, teachers, women health workers, religious leaders, social activists, NGO workers, women group leaders and other social leaders from the wards & unions. There are two fold of CBO committees: ward level CBO and central level CBO. During the reporting period MLAA has reformed CBO‟s were necessary. In the reporting period, Project organized 1503 ward mediation committee meetings, where 14786 members participated. Among them 5633 were female and 9153 were male.

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Number of Number of Participants Remarks

Meetings Female Male Total

1503 5633 9153 14786

f) Quarterly meeting with UPLAC members: The main objective of this meeting is to motivate the member of UPLAC committee to active and properly function its works. The project organized meeting with UPLAC members in its working area for sharing the roles and responsibility of members to activate the committee as well as how them help to poor people to filling a case for insuring their rights through support of govt. legal aid fund. In the reporting period, Project organized 155 meetings, where 2027 members participated. Among them 865 were female and 1162 were male.

Number of Number of Participants Remarks

Meetings Female Male Total

155 865 1162 2027

g) Human rights and family law workshops for madrasa students The main objective of this activity is to motivate the madrasa students in publicly countered radical narratives in the working area . The project organized workshops on Human Rights and Family Laws for madrasa students in its working area for sharing the basic foundation of Human rights as well as the existing legal system of Local Justice and correct interpretation of Muslim Law. In the reporting period Project facilitated 14 workshops for School & madrasa students in 2 districts of working area. A total number of 562 students participated in the workshops, among them Girl were 335 and boy were 227.

Number of Workshop Number of Participants Remarks

Girl Boy Total

14 335 227 562

h) Refresher Course on VC and Mediation for Field Organizer & PM To share the experience of project activities implementation and find out the way of better implementation and improve the skill and capacity of the project staffs organized 2 refresher courses . Total 44 field staff & Project Managers of partner NGOs attended, of them 38 were female and 06 were male.

Name of Organization

No of Course

Course Duration

Date Course Title

Nature of Participants

Venue

Number of Participants

Total

1. Dipti -2, Jessore 2.CRD, Panchagar 3.MKP Thaturgang

1 courses

3 days 18-20 October 2015

Training on Mediation, VC & Different Law.

PNGO PM and Worker.

TARC, mlaa

20 3 23

1.GKS, Sirajgang 2. MLAA, Rajbari 3. Dipti -1, Jessore

1 courses

3 days 02-04 November

2015

Training on Mediation & Different Law.

PNGO PM and Worker.

TARC, mlaa

18 3 21

Total

38 6 44

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i) Orientation workshop for PM & Accountant: The project organized Orientation workshop on line reporting and financial management for Project Manager & Accountant. The Training focus on On line reporting system and Put the beneficiaries information in online. During the Reporting Period the Project organized 0ne Orientation workshop of 5 PNGOs. Total 11 Person attended of them 1 were female and 10 were male.

Name of Organization

No of Course

Course Duration

Date Course Title

Venue Number of Participants

F M Total

1. Dipti Forundation, Jessore 2.CRD, Panchagar 3.MKP Thaturgang . 4. GKS, Sirajgang 5. MLAA, Rajbari

1 courses

02 days 07-08 March 2016

Orientation workshop on line reporting and financial

TARC, mlaa

1 11 12

Total 1 11 12

h) Monitoring Monitoring is a continuous process of measuring progress toward explicit shortcomings, intermediate and long term results. The aim to monitor the resources invested, the activities implemented and services delivered as well as evaluate outcomes achieved and long term impact made. Monitoring personnel oversee and supervise field level activities of PNGOs and accordingly prepares monitoring report on regular basis. This report also share with related stakeholder‟s i.e Union organizer, Project Manager, Executive Director of PNGOS and suggests recommendations. During the reporting period project personnel 36 times monitor the PNGOs activities in field level.

Sl No

Name of Organization

Date of Visit Name of Visitor Number of Visitor

Objective of Monitoring

1 MKP Thaturgang

16-18 May 2016 Munir Hasan 1 Person

Follow up the activities at field level & Live Utahan

Boithok, Mediation Session, Village Court

Session, WMC Meeting, Intervew of Uthan gorup

member & Quarterly PNGO Meeting

2 CRD,Panchagar

16-18 May 2016 Ashis Kumar Baidya

1 Person

3 Dipti -2 Jessore 17-19 May 2016 Masiur Rahman 1 Person

4 Dipti -1, Jessore 29-31 May 2016 Munir Hasan 1 Person

5 MLAA Rajbari

28-30 May 2016 Ashis Kumar Baidya

1 Person

6 GKS, Sherajgang

29-31 May 2016 Masiur Rahman 1 Person

***

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Project- 06.

Name of the Project

: Justice for All- Munshiganj (JFA)

Reference Number

: NCSC-JFA-SGA-2015-05 (MLAA-Munshiganj)

Project Duration : October 27, 2015 to April 26, 2017

Background of the project:

A large number of the population live below the poverty line, they can hardly access to justice to protect their legal rights. To address these problems and to make legal aid services accountable, available and accessible for the vulnerable groups government has adopted Legal Aid Service Act, 2000, to improve access to justice, introduced Legal Aid Fund (LAF) to provide the poor with free lawyers and formed different committees from Districts to Union level (DLAC, UZLAC & UPLAC) to make it success. In this context, the „Justice for All Program-Munshigonj‟ will bring relief to the justice seeker of the community and make it accessible for the poor, women, children, religious/ethnic minorities and other marginalized groups.

Objectives : I. Support to DLAC, UZLAC & UPLAC II. Visibility of Govt. Legal Aid Service and Awareness of

Rights III. Community Sensitization.

Target Groups

: The primary target groups are the inhabitants of the poverty stricken areas that have yet to receive Legal Aid Services particularly women, children, minorities and the marginalized. They will be benefited by understanding their rights and being able to access justice. The secondary target groups are DLAC, UZLAC & UPLAC members, NGOs, UP representatives, students & youths, community leaders, government officials and panel lawyers. They will be benefited by better meeting the needs of the people they represent, thus increasing confidence in their job performance.

Working Area : District: 01, Munshiganj Upazilla: 06, Munshiganj Sadar, Gazaria, Tongibari, Louhajong, Sreenagar & Shirajdikhan. Unions: 67

Funded by & Supported by

: USAID‟s Justice for All Program & National Center for State Courts

Reporting Period : January 2016 to June 2016

Achievements in brief (January 2016 to June 2016):

SN Objectives & Project

Activities

6 month’s target

Achieve-ment

Male Female Total Remarks

1) Objective 1 – Support to DLAC, UZLAC and UPLAC

1 Orientation Meeting for the members of UPLAC

47 7 54 27 81 Postponed due to election

2) Objective 2 – Visibility of Government Legal Aid and Awareness of Rights

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2.1 Leaflet on Govt Legal Aid Services

37000 37000 - - -

2.2 Poster on Basic rights & Legal Aid Services

7400 7400 - - -

2.3 Information Card on Govt. Legal Services

6700 6700 - - -

2.4 Campaign / Miking of Govt legal Services at UPz Level

6 6 67500 45500 11300 Approx. participant

2.5 Courtyard meetings with member of household on Basic rights & Legal Aid Services at UP level

100 52 524 563 1087

2.6 Monthly Progress Meetings on Govt. Legal Aid activities with project staffs

6 5 30 2 32

2.7 Orientation workshop for Project staffs & Part-time staffs on Govt. Legal Aid Services

1 1 12 2 14

3) Objective 3 – Community Sensitization

3.1 Organize Folk song at UP Level on Legal Aid Services

15 14 3565 195 3760 Approx. participant

3.2 Street Drama at Upazilla & District Level on Legal Aid Services

9 9 3625 1545 5170 Do

3.3 Video Projection 23 23 7589 561 8150 Do

3.4 Workshop on Legal Aid Services with Students & Youths

49 44 557 763 1320

3.5 Observe National Legal Aid Day

1) District Level Day Observation

1 1 360 200 560

2) Upazilla Level Day Observation

3 3 75 36 111

3) Legal Aid Fair 1 1 400 300 700

10. Conclusion

MLAA has undertaken multifaceted activities to make a society governed by rule of law and human rights through empowering the disadvantaged people including women folk in making the justice system (formal & informal) easily accessible. The demand for justice is still immense. MLAA will continue to persevere through challenges, learn from its experiences, and build on its foundation until its vision of a just society is realized by all. The work would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of the local

government and our beneficiaries, volunteers, sister NGOs, and staff. We are also

privileged to have donors who have partnered with us to turn a common vision into a

reality.

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