iProbono – CSJ looking for Delhi lawyers to represent child sexual abuse survivors (Apply by February 20, 2015)

iProbono in collaboration with the Counsel to Secure Justice (CSJ), is seeking to constitute a panel of lawyers willing to do pro bono legal work for survivors of child sexual abuse. CSJ, an organisation working at the grass roots level to provide survivors of sexual violence free legal support, is already handling various cases of child sexual abuse before lower courts in Delhi. It now seeks support at the appellate level..According to the iProbono press release, a staggering 53% of children fall prey to sexual abuse and these are merely the official estimates, according to the press release..Complex social and economic factors contribute to the low reportage and prosecution of perpetrators of abuse and children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds face particularly crippling barriers in accessing justice and redress for their grievance..Recognising the importance of prompt redressal and effective access to justice in cases of child sexual abuse, iProbono and CSJ is forming a panel of lawyers, who will represent these survivors. The legal representation shall be before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court..Commenting on the collaboration, CSJ Director Eliza Rumthao says,.“Even with the passage of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), there is a gap between law and its implementation. If skilled lawyers collaborate with social workers and the police, we can work towards better implementation of the law in force.”.The Supreme Court panel shall consist of approximately eight advocates, including Advocates on Record, with over five years work experience. The High Court panel shall consist of approximately ten advocates with over five years of work experience in drafting, filing and appearing before the High Court..A panel of Senior Advocates will interview the candidates and the term of the panel of advocates shall be of two years or till further notice..While discussing the constitution of panel of lawyers, Swathi Sukumar, Advocate & co-founder of iProbono India says,.“The aim of the panel would be to extend the protection of law to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and to enable them to break free from the cycles of abuse, trauma and impoverishment.”.She further goes on to add that in order to ensure effective prosecution, access to skilled and experienced lawyers would be extremely necessary..“If you are a lawyer practicing before the Delhi High Court or the Supreme Court, and wish to be on the Panel, please send your CV with a short expression of interest to AppellatePanel@i-probono.com. If you don’t have a CV ready, please write to AppellatePanel@i-probono.com requesting an application form..Please indicate in the subject line of the e-mail whether you are interested in being part of the High Court or the Supreme Court panel..The deadline for submission of the form is February 20, 2015.”