Global law firm Baker McKenzie has partnered with organisations including the Centre for International Rights to create the Youth Rights Resource Compass, a website that directs young people, as well as those who advocate for them, to the entities, organisations, governmental and other agencies that are open and available to them during Covid-19. It is the only platform of its kind in the world.
So far, over 250 volunteers have helped to put together the website. The Compass includes contact information for resources on safety, health, education, rights and services. It provides websites, phone numbers, social media resources and physical addresses to help connect children and youth to the resources they need. The South African section of the Compass is available in Afrikaans, English, isiZulu and Sesotho.
Speaking after the platform launch, Jaime Trujillo, Chair of Baker McKenzie in Latin America, and the Firm’s Executive Committee member in charge of Pro Bono, said, “I am so proud of our people and those who we worked with outside of the Firm to produce the Youth Rights Resource Compass. This platform will serve as a lifeline to those who need help knowing where to turn to during a time of need."
Angela Vigil, Partner and Executive Director of Baker McKenzie’s Pro Bono Practice in North America added, “Governments, civil society and NGOs are scrambling to try to help children and youth get out of harm's way as this virus continues to travel throughout the globe and preys on the world's most vulnerable. We are proud to support the effort to protect them with this platform.
“The Compass website highlights a collection of resources that are still available in countries around the globe as offices, shelters, courts and other institutions may be shutting down. The platform will be updated on an ongoing basis as we receive new information from charities and other organisations working on the ground in countries around the world.”
The South African section of the Compass is available here: www.youthrightsresourcecompass.org/en/south-africa-english-version
