Introduction

Bond Advocates LLP, a law firm renowned for its commitment to social justice, has made a significant stride by officially aligning with the Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status. This global campaign aims to challenge discriminatory laws that disproportionately affect marginalised communities and perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Bond Advocates LLP’s distinct contribution will now benefit the campaign.

The Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status is a powerful global alliance advocating for the review and repeal of laws that unfairly target individuals based on their social, political, or economic status. From colonial-era vagrancy laws to loitering regulations and other petty offenses, this campaign is determined to dismantle oppressive legal frameworks that exist worldwide.

Bond Advocates LLP’s Commitment to the Campaign
Bond Advocates LLP, with its extensive global reach and legal expertise, is fully committed to this urgent cause. Recognising that poverty should never be treated as a crime and that status-based discrimination should cease, Bond Advocates LLP commits to pursuing the campaign’s goals. Bond will contribute skills in strategic litigation, policy advocacy, awareness and education, and community engagement.

1. Strategic Litigation: The firm will actively engage in strategic litigation to challenge discriminatory laws. Bond Advocates LLP’s legal team will seek landmark victories that protect the rights of the poor.
2. Policy Advocacy: Bond Advocates LLP will advocate for policy reforms at local, national, and international levels. Their legal experts will collaborate with other campaign partners to draft policies and legislation promoting justice and equality.
3. Awareness and Education: Bond Advocates LLP will use its platforms to raise awareness about the impact of poverty-related laws and cases. Through seminars, webinars, and public campaigns, the partners at Bond Advocates LLP will contribute to the public discourse on the need to end the criminalization of poverty.

Bond Advocates LLP’s Role in the Campaign
Bond Advocates LLP brings unique strengths to the campaign:

• Legal Expertise: With a team of seasoned lawyers, Bond Advocates LLP will contribute to legal research, analysis, and innovative arguments in courtrooms around the world. The partners at Bond Advocates LLP have over the years secured landmark victories against oppressive laws and practices. Their work has helped to expand freedom of expression and religion and promoted the rule of law.
• Global Influence: The firm’s local and international connections will help amplify the campaign’s message. Bond Advocates LLP will collaborate with other law firms, NGOs, and human rights organisations to create a united front against injustice.
• Corporate Responsibility: By joining this campaign, Bond Advocates LLP lives up to its commitments as a member of the United Nations Global Compact Kenya Network. Under the Compact Bond committed to align its operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
  Membership in the campaign is also consistent with Bond’s Environment Social and Governance (ESG) framework. Under this ESG framework, Bond commits to take at least one pro Bono case per year or to perform other charitable acts for the poor and underserved in society.
  The law firm also offers pro bono service through the Law Society of Kenya and the TrustLaw (Thompson Reuters Foundation) network facilitating legal assistance and research for frontline human rights organisations worldwide and in Kenya. The partners contribute to fundraising for underprivileged students at the Kenya School of Law while mentoring younger lawyers at various stages of their careers. Besides, the firm initiatives, Bond Advocates LLP encourages its partners to contribute to charitable causes within their individual communities.
  Bond Advocates LLP willingly leads and helps other lawfirms to troubleshoot legal issues on request.

Conclusion
Bond Advocates LLP’s decision to join the Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status is a powerful signal: advocates can be catalysts for change. Bond Advocates LLP reaffirms that justice knows no boundaries. Together, we can create a world where poverty is not criminalised, and everyone’s status is respected. Bond Advocates LLP’s commitment to justice should remind us all that legal advocacy can transform lives.

For more information about the Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status, visit their official website here.

Barbara Kwanga is the Deputy Managing Partner at Bond Advocates LLP. Her email address is barbara@bondadvocates.com