THE VANCE CENTER VIEWS CIVIL SOCIETY–the formal and informal groups that people freely create to share views, pursue causes, express culture, and more–as key players in democratic governance, and lawyers as key players in civil society. It is lawyers who use and develop the laws and the institutions of government, which define and secure our fundamental civil and human rights.
The rule of law is a crucial foundation for a vibrant civil society. People rely on the legal system to ensure their rights and understand and participate in civic life – but this is only possible when that legal system works as intended, free of interference, corruption, and discrimination. Equal access to justice demonstrates and advances fairness and promotes confidence in the law and legal institutions.
The Vance Center helps clients with legal matters in four thematic areas:
-
Environment
The Environment Program promotes and protects environmental and human rights through representing CSOs, environmental and land defenders, UN bodies, and other entities advocating for these rights at local, regional, and international levels.
-
Human Rights & Access To Justice
The Human Rights and Access to Justice Program protects individuals from discrimination, violence, injustice, and corruption, and supports international human rights bodies committed to such protection.
-
Institutional Integrity
The Institutional Integrity Program pursues transparency and integrity in government, supporting civil society, judicial independence, and intersecting efforts to hold officials and institutions accountable.
-
Public Interest Reporting
The Public Interest Reporting Program upholds transparency and the free flow of information, and provides legal support, guidance, and defense to independent media outlets and organizations engaged in public interest reporting to hold officials and institutions accountable.