Justice Centre Hong Kong

Immigration lawyer Lynette Nam at Justice Centre Hong Kong shares how a volunteer trip to the Thai-Myanmar border inspired her decades-long commitment to helping refugees and immigrants in need. Author: Yoyo Chow #TatlerGenT #LeadersofTomorrow #immigration #refugees

Proud to see our Executive Director, Lynette Nam, featured by Tatler Gen.T on the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow List for her impactful work at Justice Centre. Lynette's dedication to empowering refugees and displaced people finding safety in Hong Kong continues to inspire us all. Thank you, Tatler, for highlighting her story and the important work we do. Read her story in full at the link below 👇

“I learned about the power of responsibility.” – 2024 Community Leadership Academy trainee And with that, our 2024 Community Leadership Academy is off to a great start! This month we launched our training programme for refugee youths, kicking off a 10-week journey of discovery towards becoming confident and impactful leaders. We were delighted to have the contributions of two incredible speakers, who shared their inspiring stories with our trainees, encouraging them to be resilient, stay open to opportunities, and work together as a community. We’re excited for what’s to come!   The Community Leadership Academy is co-designed and co-delivered by refugees, in collaboration with Humanity Seekers. Through the Academy, refugees become empowered leaders, creating positive social impact – as a community, for the community. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g5xXA3kE

The refugee story remains poignant, and ever so relevant in today's climate. There are over 15,000 non-refoulement claimants in Hong Kong. Most of them live in limbo. Without a right to work or study, they often rely on a meagre US$400 government allowance a month. I say meagre because the bulk of it goes towards sky-high rents, on top of daily necessities. I asked them why they did it and whether it was worth it. "I want to live." Going into this story, I knew it had to be one, that showcased perseverance and dignity. Because that's what I saw in every interview. There was no place in our report for the usual tropes of poverty porn. Jojo Chan and I worked closely with Justice Centre Hong Kong and Christian Action Centre for Refugees on this. We're ever so grateful that Aimé Girimana and Uzma Naveed trusted us enough to share their stories - how they grew from a place of vulnerability to lead community outreach programmes. This is ultimately a story of resilience and a person's capacity to hope. Never underestimate it. Article here: https://lnkd.in/gCpFW7bV Watch the full episode below:

Achieving protection for people persecuted for their sexual orientation! 🎉 We are thrilled that Linda’s* asylum appeal has been granted! Linda fled her home country Indonesia after a series of events confirmed her fear of attacks and discrimination due to her sexual orientation. Justice Centre partnered with a pro bono law firm to support her to pursue her claim. One common misperception is that refugees only come from war torn countries. Linda’s case shows that there are real and serious dangers that cause people to flee, and very often from places that appear relatively stable. Asylum appeals usually involve an adversarial process, where dedicated legal support can make a real difference in achieving positive outcomes. *Not her real name.

⏰ Applications to the second Young Advocates Summer Camp close on Monday! ⏰ Are you a future change maker? Do you want to make a positive difference in the world? What are you doing this weekend? Take a step towards a rewarding and challenging career by applying to participate in our Young Advocates Summer Camp. Past participants share how transformative, memorable, and enriching the experience is. Many have gone on to prestigious universities and we hope they carry the passion for learning and social justice with them. 💬 The YASC “is an insightful, immersive, and rewarding experience. Throughout my three weeks in this program, I learned everything there is to know about refugee law and applied such knowledge by doing legal research and writing. Not only was I able to collaborate with a supportive group of staff in the office, but I was also able to bond with the refugee community. This has been one of the most eye-opening programs I have ever participated in. If you are a student passionate about a career in law or simply learning more about law, this is the perfect program for you” – Valerie, 2023 batch 💥 Submit your application by 24 June and join us in helping to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong! For more information, follow the link in comments. 🧑🏼🤝🧑🏻 Remind your friends to apply, and if they are accepted you can receive a 5% discount! #YoungAdvocates #SummerCamp #LegalTraineeship #SocialJustice #AsylumLaw #ChangeMakers #JusticeCentre

🌍 Navigating Legal Precarity: The Crucial Role of Legal Support for Asylum Seekers in Hong Kong As we mark #WorldRefugeeDay, this SCMP article sheds light on the severe precarity faced by asylum seekers, emphasizing the necessity of robust legal support. The acceptance rate for non-refoulement claims remains below 1%, and many asylum seekers navigate much of the process without a lawyer. This daunting reality underscores the critical importance of specialised legal assistance. At Justice Centre, we bridge this gap by providing free, community-based, professional legal help. Our doors are wide open to ensure that people can promptly access the resources they need to understand their legal options, and if indeed they have no choice but to seek asylum, pursue their claims effectively. And our work goes beyond legal aid; we offer holistic services, including individual therapy, community groups and welfare advice. This multifaceted approach is essential for enabling people to achieve the best possible outcomes and to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. In a system where legal representation can be the difference between safety and peril, our role is more vital than ever. We stand as a lifeline for those navigating this complex journey, advocating for fair and compassionate treatment. 🔗 Explore the full SCMP article, and its excellent infographics and real life stories here: https://lnkd.in/gwqW9-NA