Written by Nuel Angelo D. Sabate, AHRC Resident Intern
The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) conducted a capacity-building and learning exchange program with its Hong Kong-based partner, the Pro Bono Hong Kong (PBHK) from July 23 to 30, 2024.
PBHK is a non-profit legal charity organization which primarily aims to “empower the impoverished, distressed, or vulnerable in [the Hong Kong] community to access justice so they can access opportunities on an equal footing – free from discrimination and unlawful, unfair, or unjust practices,” according to its website.
The AHRC Team includes Atty. Teresa Kristel Banta (Project Manager), Atty. Katrina Isabela Blanco (AHRC Program Officer and Supervising Lawyer), Atty. Katrina Coscolluela (Project Officer), Danielle Anne Requilman (Project Assistant), Andre Lloyd Arellano and Nuel Angelo Sabate (AHRC Interns).
The Team commenced the program on July 23, 2024 with expectation settings and a visioning exercise at the Western Magistracy Building, Sai Ying Pun. The participants, who are mostly PBHK volunteers and interns, expected to learn how AHRC operates as a non-profit organization. Additionally, they also expressed interest in learning basic organization skills including ways to conduct client interviews. A parallel session that highlighted the difference between Hong kong and Philippines legal systems was also conducted.
Legal Clinic Work
On July 24, 2024, the AHRC Team observed how PBHK conducts its legal clinic wherein volunteer lawyers with interns and staff of the organization assisted and provided free legal aid. This was held in the office of the Society for Community Organizing, Posco Building, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon. PBHK’s clients usually consist of indigents who do not qualify for the Hong Kong Government’s legal aid subsidy, according to its Clinic Manager, Chantal Chung.
As PHBK conducted its legal clinic, the AHRC Team led the debriefing session for the entire group. AHRC Intern Sabate and Program Officer Blanco facilitated the discussion among the interns of PBHK. The group reflected on the need of more pro-bono lawyers helping indigent clients as there are more people in need in contrast to lawyers willing to help.
During the discussion, the AHRC Team learned common legal issues in Hong Kong such as housing rights and probate disputes.
Needs Assessment Workshop
On July 25 to 26, the AHRC Team facilitated a needs-assessment workshop for PBHK interns and volunteers. Since PBHK provides various legal services to Hong Kong communities, AHRC assisted PBHK volunteers and interns in conducting a preliminary needs assessment.
Held at the Linklaters – Hong Kong Office, Alexandra House, Central, AHRC Program Officer Blanco gave the PBHK participants the basics of conducting an assessment for communities, organizations, and individuals.
The AHRC Team facilitated a simulation activity on conducting the assessment among the session participants. The simulation was significant because on the next day, the participants were set to assess two partner organizations of PBHK.
The team also had the opportunity to visit the Jockey Club Healthy Neighbor Kitchen, located at the Wai Wah Commercial Centre, Sai Ying Pun. An initiative to address the ongoing housing crisis in Hong Kong, the organization caters to subdivided flat families living in Central and Western district and Southern district where they provide access to kitchen, a gym, a community pharmacy, and other wellness essentials that is often compromised due to lack of living spaces.
The group then visited the Children’s Rights Committee in the Western District of Hong Kong. The PBHK interns and volunteers discussed with the organization’s Secretary, Angela Lee, their efforts in upholding the rights of the children especially against abuses through their children-led initiatives.
The program culminated with a talk on Hong Kong’s legal system on the Government-subsidized legal aid given by Azan Marwah, the Head of Pantheon Chambers and also a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong. This was hosted by the Pantheon Chambers who also prepared a socials event afterwards. The event was attended by PBHK’s partner organization members and other lawyers of the chambers.
Capacity Building Workshop
To cap AHRC’s visit in Hong Kong, the Team gave a two-day capacity building session for PBHK’s interns and volunteers. On July 29, AHRC Intern Sabate facilitated the session on client-interviews, while Program Officer Blanco introduced the participants to alternative lawyering. The first day of the capacity building sessions was held at the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun.
The following day, AHRC Intern Arellano gave a workshop on popular education, a concept of empowerment made known by Brazilian author and philosopher Paulo Freire. The participants learned the basics in conducting legal education and empowerment through popular and easy-to-understand models. PBHK volunteers and interns were able to formulate their own method and strategy to effectively communicate their message through methods of popular education.
Program Officer Blanco also gave a short presentation on the current human rights situation in the Philippines and an introduction to legal research.
To wrap up the week-long activities, Project Manager Banta guided the PBHK participants on the importance and value of community organizing work in creating a stronger network of legal advocates.
The series of workshops and training sessions conducted in Hong Kong is the first installment of AHRC’s partnership with PBHK. On August 26, PBHK lawyers, staff, interns and volunteers are set to visit AHRC in Makati, Philippines.
