HUMAN RIGHTS & CONSTITUTIONAL UNIT
(Huricon)
The Human Rights and Constitutional Unit (Huricon) of the Legal Assistance Centre is the main litigation vehicle of the organisation. Unlike the other units, which focus on specified human rights issues, Huricon is willing to engage in test case litigation in relation to any human rights issues or rights protected by the Namibian Constitution.
For example the right to dignity, privacy, personal liberty, equality and freedom from discrimination, fair trial, family, property, political activity, administrative justice, culture, education and fundamental freedoms.
It must be stressed that, in general, only test case litigation will be attended to since there is little public interest in taking matters to court which have already been ventilated and in which legal principles have already be established and are being followed.
In addition, during the next one to two years, Huricon wishes to focus more on the problems experienced by the Ministry of Safety and Security by way of prison and cell visits, constructive research and human rights training.
Huricon also still faces the mammoth task of finalizing the Caprivi torture victims’ civil claims.
The ultimate objective is to create a culture of human rights in Namibia were all human rights are respected by all persons and institutions. In so doing, Huricon hopes to assist in maintaining and developing democracy and democratic institutions in Namibia, upholding the rule of law and contributing to good governance.
