On November 13 the third International Legal Aid Conference (ILAC 2018_ was launched in Tbilisi, Georgia. The event focusing on Global challenges related to ensuring equal access to justice for all and free legal aid for the poor and vulnerable brings together over 300 delegates from over 60 countries to discuss how countries can improve access to legal aid in their unique national contexts and deepen international cooperation in this critical field. ILAC 2018 in Georgia is the third international forum on legal aid following the conferences in South Africa (2014) and Argentina (2016).

The Conference blends expert panel discussions with breakout sessions that enable its participants to work in smaller groups and brainstorm ways to implement reforms in their unique country contexts. 

"ILAC 2018 transforms our vision of legal aid and kicks off a critical discussion about diverse and innovative delivery models. Georgia's experience in this area is an important resource for many countries. ILAC creates an excellent platform for international cooperation and helps the participant countries strengthen their national legal aid networks," said Meliton Benidze, Director of the Legal Aid Service of Georgia.  

Open Society Georgia Foundation has been one of the first supporters to develop free legal aid in Georgia.

" So far Georgia has succeeded to create effective model of legal aid, that is independent and accountable to the Parliament only. Early access to legal aid is of utmost importance to make justice truly accessible for all, Keti Khutsishvili, Open Society Foundation Head in Georgia.

The conference is hosted by the Parliament of Georgia and Legal Aid Service and supported by international partners, including The Legal Aid Foundation, UNDP, UNODC, Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), EU, Council of Europe and USAID.

For further information visit web site of the Conference.