Singapore launches center for inclusive justice for people with disabilities

Singapore's legal landscape is evolving to better serve individuals with disabilities through the nation's first Inclusive Justice Law Centre. Launched in March by Pro Bono SG, the charity arm of the Law Society of Singapore, the center aims to dismantle barriers to justice by integrating legal services with community-based support.

“

Access to justice is a matter of not just form but substance. (It) has to be done differently – not by just engaging a lawyer and you have access to justice in that context.

The initiative recognizes that accessing justice for people with disabilities, who constitute a significant portion of the population, often demands more than just legal counsel. The center's approach involves collaboration with social workers, psychologists, and other disability-sector professionals. This multidisciplinary team works to bridge the gap, ensuring that individuals with visible and invisible disabilities receive comprehensive assistance.

“

They can't communicate the way we are used to. But that doesn't mean they don't understand, (or that) they don't have a story to tell.

Dinesh Dhillon, chairman of Pro Bono SG, highlighted the necessity of an inclusive approach, stating that justice is not merely a procedural matter but requires a fundamentally different delivery model. "Access to justice is a matter of not just form but substance. (It) has to be done differently – not by just engaging a lawyer and you have access to justice in that context," he told CNA.

“

The law is all about finding out the evidence and the truth, and access to justice is about that.

The center's philosophy is rooted in understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with conditions like autism or mental health issues. These conditions can impede communication and trust-building, making conventional legal processes difficult. By embedding legal specialists within community agencies, the center aims to foster trust and facilitate clearer communication, ensuring that every individual's story can be heard and addressed within the legal system.

“

When a person has an invisible disability … they may not be used to talking to you the way you're used to talking to other clients or witnesses. You need to go that extra mile.