About the Workshop
Join the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) Legal Community Pledge partners for a virtual Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Pro Bono Workshop on August 4.
Across the Asia-Pacific region, grassroots organizations operate in increasingly complex and challenging regulatory environments. This workshop is designed to help your organization access free legal assistance (pro bono) to build operational resilience, strengthen governance, and enhance your advocacy and protection programs.
Organizing Partners
PILnet and the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR), in partnership with UNHCR, TrustLaw, Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), Margins to Access Project (MAP), Asylum Services & Knowledge (ASK) and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer).
Why Attend?
- Access Free Legal Support: Learn about the types of free legal services available (governance, employment, advocacy, research, and direct legal assistance).
- Prepare for the September Pitching Roundtable: This workshop is the first step toward participating in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Refugee Rights Pro Bono Pitching Roundtable in late September, where you can pitch your legal needs directly to law firms.
- Learn from Success Stories: Hear real-world case studies from RLOs and NGOs in the region who have successfully leveraged pro bono legal partnerships.
Who Should Attend?
- Refugee-led organizations
- Refugee-serving NGOs and civil society organizations
- Community-based organizations working with forcibly displaced, climate-displaced, or stateless populations
- Networks and coalitions working on forced displacement in the Asia-Pacific region
Timeline and Next Steps
This workshop kicks off a collaborative process designed to match your organization with dedicated legal support:
- Preparatory Workshop (Aug 4): Introduction to pro bono support, scoping guidance, and case studies.
- Collaborative Intake and Project Scoping (Aug – Sept): Work 1-on-1 with PILnet and partners to refine your legal project proposals.
- Project Catalogue (Mid-Sept): Scoped proposals are compiled into a catalogue for participating law firms to review.
- The Pitching Roundtable (Sept 29-30, tentative): Present your project directly to law firms to secure pro bono partnerships.
- Matching and Ongoing Support (From Oct onwards): Receive onboarding and relationship management support from PILnet and APNOR.
11:00 – 11:10
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speakers: Jasmine Simperingham (PILnet), Najeeba Wazefadost (APNOR), Gavin David White (UNHCR)
11:10 – 11:30
Introduction to Refugee Rights Pro Bono
Speakers: Yuvraj Rathore (PILnet), Joanita Britto Menon (TrustLaw)
11:30 – 11:50
Asia-Pacific Pro Bono in Practice
Speakers: Stephen Downie (ASK), Lars Stenger (APRRN), Hamsa Vijayaraghavan (MAP), Najeeba Wazefadost (APNOR)
11:50 – 11:55
How to Scope and Prepare a Project Pitch
A practical walkthrough on how to submit your project ideas using the Legal Assistance Intake Form, and what to expect during the September Pitching Roundtable.
11:55 – 12:20
Interactive Q&A Session
12:20 – 12:30
Closing and Next Steps
Speakers: PILnet, Bianca Janovic (HSF Kramer)