As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring challenges to justice around the world, an event that took place, despite challenges is the Asia Pro Bono Conference in September 2020. Now in its ninth year the Conference launched as the Inaugural Asia Pro Bono Virtual Conference (APBVC) and Access to Justice Exchange. The Conference hosted 40 sessions across a vast variety of topics including the immigrant crisis, the state of vulnerable populations, xenophobia, human rights and labour laws. The 5-day Conference was attended by over 1,000 people, with more than 212,000 individual session accesses through social media.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for charity and non-profit landlords and tenants within the UK. The restrictions implemented by the UK government’s lockdown have had a widespread impact on revenue streams, particularly those generated through public donations and fundraisers, resulting in many tenants seeking to agree some sort of financial relief from landlords. The following update offers guidance for both third sector tenants and landlords during these uncertain times.
A4ID’s Legal Clinic provides an opportunity for NGOs, international development charities, and social enterprises working in human rights or international development to discuss any legal questions or areas of potential concern with a dedicated team of lawyers from our key Legal Partners.
On 17 September, Advocates for International Development (A4ID), the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, and the University of Edinburgh Global Health Academy jointly delivered a high-level virtual event to highlight the close links between authorities’ responses to health crises and the rule of law.
Together, A4ID’s partners have identified the prevailing barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which targets inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
A4ID’s Legal Partner, Dechert, has helped to ensure the longevity of the knowledge and resources accumulated by the charity, Health Books International, which faced closure due to financial challenges.
Given the enormous challenge faced by companies and other entities, including charities and development organisations, in the wake of the public health measures adopted to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government has taken certain measures to assist companies with their tax bills. The following update sets out the most relevant UK tax measures that have been implemented, in particular: (i) available tax relief options (such as business rates relief) and (ii) the deferral of Value Added Tax (VAT) payments. The update also includes information on the deferral of income tax payments and the use of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ‘Time to Pay Service’.
A4ID’s partners collaborated to secure a ground-breaking victory on locus standi in environmental matters in Mauritius.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries across the world have enforced some form of ‘lockdown’ and, as a result, the daily ‘normal’ has been significantly altered. Charities and social enterprise operations may have been temporarily ordered to close or to operate with reduced workforces. These organisations are also vulnerable to a number of other challenges, whether it be the cancellation of events or grant funding. As the pandemic endures, operations and supply chains around the world have been disrupted, with organisations experiencing delays and outright failures to perform.
A4ID’s partners collaborate to support sustainable development and offer a new source of hope for the future of Virunga National Park.
