Legal Assistance Centre

The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC), established in 1988 in Windhoek, Namibia, is dedicated to protecting the human rights of all Namibians. As the only organization of its kind in the country, LAC operates under the supervision of the Legal Assistance Trust, which comprises legal practitioners, professionals, and community leaders. The Centre focuses on five key areas: litigation, information and advice, education and training, research, and law reform and advocacy.

In the realm of litigation, LAC specializes in public interest cases that have a broader impact on the community. These cases often aim to establish new legal precedents or address discriminatory policies and practices. For instance, LAC has successfully advocated for the rights of individuals in matters such as land inheritance, environmental issues, and the protection of marginalized groups like the Himba and the San communities.

Beyond litigation, LAC is committed to empowering communities through education and training. The Centre conducts workshops for various stakeholders, including legal officials, traditional leaders, school principals, police, and social workers. Topics covered range from gender-friendly laws and communal land reform to HIV/AIDS rights and basic human rights training. Through these initiatives, LAC strives to foster a culture of human rights awareness and advocacy across Namibia.