International lawyers granted Swedish base for work in war-torn regions

IBA/ABA LINK: rapid-response assessment missions to countries emerging from conflict

The International Bar Association (IBA) has secured a $200,000 grant from the Swedish government to establish headquarters in Stockholm for the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC).

ILAC is a joint initiative by the IBA and the American Bar Association which aims to help war-torn countries reassert the rule of law.

Established in 2000, ILAC sends teams of legal experts into formerly war-torn areas such as Kosovo and East Timor to make assessments of the steps needed to reconstruct the administration of justice.

It aims to offer a 'road map' for non-governmental organisations involved in reconstruction projects.

Around 300 NGOs have been registered as working in Kosovo, while in East Timor, offers to help with the legal system came initially from civil and common law countries with no co-ordination.

ILAC also seeks to introduce systems of accountability for those who work on the reconstruction of war-torn countries, something often lacking.

The grant will enable ILAC to establish a permanent staffed headquarters and allow it to carry out rapid response assessment missions to countries emerging from conflict.

IBA executive director Mark Ellis said: 'This money is a significant move for ILAC, as it will allow us to initiate some of the projects that we have been planning for some time.'

Stockholm was chosen as the headquarters because of its record in international peacekeeping.

'Despite its relatively small size, Sweden has always been very involved in conflict resolution, and vigorous in developing peace-keeping and security measures,' said Mr Ellis.

'Stockholm seemed a perfect fit for ILAC's base, and we were very pleased when the Swedish ministry for foreign affairs wanted to assist us with a grant.'

Future projects for ILAC include moving into Afghanistan to help the interim government develop a legal system, and eventually Zimbabwe.

'When Zimbabwe finally moves out of its current state of crisis it will find its justice infrastructure severely weakened, if not destroyed,' said Mr Ellis.

'Hopefully we will be able to move in, assess the situation and help them rebuild it.'

Victoria MacCallum