Fighting injustice

In response to Carolyn Kirby's article concerning the Law Society's role in pursuing human rights issues (see [2003] Gazette, 26 June, 18), I would like to congratulate the Society for its efforts and also to highlight the work of many of our members in working with lawyers' groups around the world.

At the time of writing the Lawyers Christian Fellowship has young lawyers in Tanzania, Kosovo, Kenya, Thailand and China.

Recently, 12 of our young lawyers flew to Africa for a six-week legal mission to Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, and in October six of our more senior members will be flying to India to support a project that works to release bonded children from the moneylenders and pimps who steal their childhood.

Successive legal teams contribute to permanent missions working year round to locate those being abused, obtain the evidence to obtain the children's release and then present that evidence to local magistrates.

Having been one of the many lawyers bemoaning long hours and constant pressure after 20 years in civil litigation, I found (as do most of my colleagues) that a couple of weeks working amid real oppression and injustice quickly produces a new perspective.

More importantly, every child, or parent for that matter, who is rescued from slavery or unlawful imprisonment or worse becomes our friend.

Not just our distant neighbour or cross-cultural client, but someone who has seen the West at its best - concerned enough actively to seek the same justice, the same dignity for all.

Christine John, international secretary, Lawyers Christian Fellowship