Indicator 8: The laws support indistinctly all survivors of VAWG by providing for free legal aid and support services including all required support during court proceedings

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Many victims do not report VAWG, not only because of the fear of reprisal or shame, but also often because of the complexity of the processes of access to justice and the cost of trials. For this reason, the role of the State in supporting victims and especially in providing legal assistance is essential.

In order to improve women’s access to legal aid, the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted in 2012 the UN Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems (67/187). The guidelines, which represent the first international instrument on the right to legal assistance, recommend providing legal aid, advice and court support services in all legal proceedings to female victims of violence in order to ensure access to justice and avoid secondary victimization and other such services, which may include the translation of legal documents where requested or required.

Except for Morocco and Tunisia which have comprehensive laws addressing VAWG, the other States offer legal assistance for those who are without means but not specifically for women victims of VAWG.

Countries
Algeria

Algeria

The Constitution in article 57 guarantees legal assistance to “vulnerable persons”. Also, the laws include the right to legal assistance for those without means but not specifically for women victims of VAWG. The legal aid includes covering the costs of providing lawyer and the court procedures.

Egypt

Egypt

The Constitution and the law include the right to legal assistance for those without means but not specifically for women victims of VAWG.

Jordan

Jordan

The law includes the right to legal assistance for certain categories but not specifically for women victims of VAWG. There is a legal assistance system no. 119 of 2018 issued under article 208 of the criminal procedures law and its amendments no. 9 of 1961. The law prioritizes the categories that can receive legal assistance, as follows: juveniles, seniors, women, persons with disabilities, and then any other category specified by the minister.

Lebanon

Lebanon

The law does not guarantee access to legal aid.

Morocco

Morocco

Articles 13 and 14 of the law on combating violence against women of 2018 provides for the establishment of institutional cells supporting women victims of VAWG within different government’s institutions including courts.

Palestine

Palestine

The law does not guarantee access to legal aid. However, there is the National Strategy for Legal Aid endorsed in 2019 that includes providing legal aid for those who are without means but not specifically for women victims of VAWG.

Tunisia

Tunisia

Article 13 of the law on eliminating violence against women of 2017 guarantees the right of women victims of VAWG to legal advice and obligatory judicial aid.