As in other regions of the world, public interest law in Southeast Asia is growing.  We regularly hear of new and encouraging court decisions that lay the mantle of accountability on corporations and government agencies, while providing real benefits to local victims and survivors of injustice. Yet as governments and corporations continue to enter into regional partnerships, often without respect for national laws or local input, lawyers and community leaders must develop new tools and cross-border strategies to address harms occurring in the name of development.

Recognizing the increasing need for access to justice and regional collaboration, EarthRights International launched the Mekong Legal Advocacy Institute (MLAI) in 2009. ERI established MLAI to provide a forum for Mekong lawyers to share experiences, learn and develop new legal and advocacy strategies, and take effective coordinated actions to protect the environment and human rights. Central to this mission are periodic training sessions that bring in expert lawyers from around the world to share skills and offer guidance in key areas of emerging law such as climate change, land rights, sustainable energy, and indigenous rights.

Joining MLAI

MLAI is currently seeking participants from all Mekong countries. If you are a public interest attorney working on the environment or human rights, please download the application, fill it out, and email it to Marty Bergoffen, EarthRights’ Mekong Legal Coordinator, at marty@earthrights.org. In particular, if you are working in one of our key areas (Mekong River mainstream dams, forced relocation, resettlement, fair and adequate compensation, or projects funded by the World Bank or Asian Development Bank) please let us know in your application.