Independent Council of Legal Expertise

This three-year grant of $375,000 to the Independent Council of Legal Expertise will support a project to strengthen access to justice in the Russian Federation. The grantee, based in Moscow, brings a network of leading Russian academic legal experts and practicing lawyers to provide legal support for public interest litigation by non-profits. Where appropriate, the grantee will take cases to the Russian Constitutional Court, the Russian Supreme Court, and the European Court of Human Rights. The grantee will publish case commentaries on its website. The project will also build a much-needed dialogue between the judicial community and civil society through the creation of “public advisory councils” of judges and civil society leaders in at least four Russian regions. The project will provide legal advice to journalists and media outlets, and train journalists in court reporting.

To facilitate reform of the courts and law enforcement agencies and improve mechanisms for the protection of human rights in Russia; and to partially fund the purchase of office space (over three years).

To purchase a permanent office in Moscow.

In support of activities to facilitate reform of the courts and law enforcement agencies and improve mechanisms for the protection of human rights in Russia (over three years).

To facilitate court reform and improve mechanisms for the protection of human rights in Russia (over three years).