Call for Proposals: Implementing Legal Aid and Awareness Initiatives (Sri Lanka)

Deadline: 24-Feb-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice, invites NGOs and CSOs to implement the JURE Project, providing regional legal aid and awareness programs. The initiative prioritizes vulnerable communities, disaster-affected populations, children, women, and persons with disabilities, offering legal guidance, documentation support, and education on justice institutions. Programs will be delivered in local languages and include both central events and satellite clinics to strengthen access to justice.

Overview of the JURE Project

The JURE Project (Justice for Underrepresented and Resilient Entities) aims to enhance equitable access to justice in Sri Lanka, especially for vulnerable populations. Launched in 2022 under the SDG16 portfolio, it integrates disaster-related legal vulnerabilities into planning and service delivery.

Key aspects of the project include:

• Partnering with NGOs and CSOs for regional implementation

• Delivering legal aid and awareness-raising programs

• Ensuring accessibility for marginalized groups, including children, women, persons with disabilities, disaster-affected populations, and low-income communities

Objectives of the Programme

1. Equitable Access to Justice: Provide legal guidance and support to all, focusing on vulnerable groups.

2. Legal Rights Awareness: Educate communities on their rights and available legal protections.

3. Documentation Support: Assist with legal documentation and administrative requirements.

4. Knowledge of Justice Institutions: Strengthen understanding of courts, commissions, and public services.

5. Improved Referral Pathways: Establish clear pathways for accessing legal aid and support services.

6. On-the-Spot Legal Aid: Offer immediate legal assistance at events and clinics.

7. Disaster Integration: Address disaster-related legal vulnerabilities throughout project planning and delivery.

Programme Structure

The JURE Project will be delivered through:

• Central Hub Events: ‘Know Your Neethi Legal Aid and Awareness Camps’ in Kandy, Puttalam, and Mannar

• Satellite Clinics: Two follow-up clinics per district to expand reach and provide direct legal support

• Language Accessibility: Programs conducted in Sinhala and Tamil to ensure comprehension and inclusivity

Role of Partner NGOs/CSOs

Partner organizations are responsible for:

• Planning, facilitating, and implementing events in their designated regions

• Ensuring participation of vulnerable and disaster-affected communities

• Providing legal awareness sessions and on-the-spot legal aid

• Coordinating with local authorities and justice sector stakeholders

• Documenting outcomes and lessons learned to improve future interventions

Eligibility Criteria for Partner Organizations

• Registered NGOs or CSOs operating in Sri Lanka

• Demonstrated experience in community engagement, legal aid, or public awareness programs

• Ability to work inclusively with marginalized populations

• Capacity to deliver programs in Sinhala and Tamil

• Commitment to adhere to project guidelines and coordinate with UNDP, UNICEF, and Ministry of Justice

How to Apply / Partnership Process

1. Review eligibility criteria and programme objectives.

2. Submit a proposal detailing:

   • Organizational capacity and past experience

   • Proposed plan for delivering hub events and satellite clinics

   • Approach to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity

3. Coordinate with UNDP Sri Lanka for technical guidance and event planning

4. Upon approval, implement the programme and provide reports on outcomes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without demonstrated experience in legal aid or community engagement

• Failing to include strategies for disaster-affected or marginalized communities

• Proposing activities not aligned with SDG16 or the objectives of the JURE Project

• Not providing plans for local language delivery or accessibility measures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can partner with the JURE Project? Registered NGOs or CSOs in Sri Lanka with relevant experience in legal aid and community engagement.
2. What communities are prioritized? Vulnerable groups, children, women, persons with disabilities, low-income populations, and disaster-affected individuals.
3. Where will events be held? Central hub events in Kandy, Puttalam, and Mannar, with two follow-up satellite clinics per district.
4. What is included in the programme? Legal awareness sessions, documentation support, on-the-spot legal aid, and strengthened referral pathways.
5. In which languages will programs be delivered? Sinhala and Tamil.
6. Who funds and oversees the project? Funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, facilitated by the Ministry of Justice.
7. How are disaster vulnerabilities addressed? Disaster-related legal risks are integrated throughout planning, implementation, and follow-up stages.

Conclusion

The JURE Project represents a holistic approach to legal empowerment in Sri Lanka, bridging the gap between communities and justice institutions. By partnering with NGOs and CSOs, the programme ensures vulnerable populations receive accessible legal guidance, awareness, and support, strengthening resilience and equitable access to justice across the country.

For more information, visit UNDP.