Lawyers Without Borders assists in building strong, independent, and transparent institutions that reflect the needs of their people.
Supporting War Crimes Investigations (2022-Ongoing)
Ukraine is investigating and prosecuting over 65,000 war crimes cases in its domestic court system. While much attention has focused on accountability at the international level, particularly for high-level offenders, Ukraine is currently grappling with how to try cases within its domestic system and how to obtain accountability for crimes against property and other crimes that have a direct impact on Ukrainian civilians. Over the past two years, Ukrainian courts have begun adjudicating war crimes cases within Ukraine’s domestic judicial system. In 2022, LWOB developed a project analyzing the 50 trial-level published verdicts from Ukrainian courts for war crimes cases. For over a year, LWOB also had a scholar-in-residence who focused on rule of law issues in Ukraine and supported an organized working group consisting of volunteer lawyers from Jones Day, Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, Reed Smith, A&O Shearman, and Akin Gump, the majority of whom are fluent Ukrainian speakers, has led this effort. The findings and conclusions are being used to engage the Ukrainian judiciary and prosecution service officials.
Assisting the Republic of the Marshall Islands to Create and Implement National Security Frameworks and Strategy (RMI-NSFS) (2023-2025; Ongoing)
The Assisting the Republic of the Marshall Islands to Create and Implement National Security Frameworks and Strategy (RMI-NSFS) project will develop a comprehensive, structured, and cooperative approach to national security in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The vision for this project is to not only create national security laws, institutions, and strategy related to national security, but to move from development to action. Establishing a national security framework, supporting the new Director of the Office of National Security, and assisting in standing up this Office will serve the country and create stability, while implementing national security strategy will lead to the desired outcomes.
This project will work with RMI’s Office of the President and Cabinet and Office of the Chief Secretary, as well as other relevant government and civil society stakeholders, to develop and implement a national security framework, including legislation and national security institutions, and the National Security Strategy (NSS). To complement and strengthen this new framework, the project will also support development of standard operating procedures on relevant issues, provide training and mentorship to stakeholders, and build awareness and engagement across government agencies.
The project prioritizes engaging the RMI government, institutions, and stakeholders from inception. Lawyers Without Borders (LWOB) will provide advice and partnership to the RMI, recognizing that the national security framework and strategy must be driven by the national government. By involving national actors, including in interagency frameworks, in every step of the decision-making process, the project fosters local ownership and commitment. This increases the likelihood that security structures and practices developed or enhanced during the project will be maintained and adapted after project completion.
Morocco National Space Strategy and Policy (2024-2026; Ongoing)
The Morocco National Space Strategy and Policy project seeks to support Morocco in developing and implementing a comprehensive National Space Strategy (NSpS) to enhance its national security, economic development, and global leadership in space. Over 26 months, the project aims to strengthen Morocco’s institutional and technical capacities by fostering interagency coordination, creating a robust framework for space activities, and developing key operational systems. Through collaboration with Moroccan government entities like the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the Administration for National Defense (ADN), the project will address critical gaps in satellite technology, data management, and policy frameworks while also promoting local ownership and sustainability.
Key objectives include conducting foundational research to assess Morocco's existing space landscape and identify opportunities for improvement, forming an Interagency Space Working Group to facilitate coordination, and developing the NSpS through stakeholder engagement and expert input. The project will also focus on training and mentorship to build capacity across relevant Moroccan agencies, ensuring they can effectively manage space assets, secure national interests, and leverage space for socioeconomic benefits. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and implementation plans will be developed to ensure that the NSpS remains actionable and adaptable beyond the project’s duration. Another major objective is to develop partnerships between public and private entities and promote regional and international collaboration. By addressing issues like regulatory gaps, information sharing, and dual-use technologies, the project will help Morocco balance its security needs with commercial and communication opportunities.
The Morocco National Space Strategy and Policy project aims to position Morocco as a leader in space within Africa and beyond, fostering sustainable growth, regional stability, and stronger ties with partners such as the United States.