Joining Forces to Enhance Equal Access to Legal Aid in Southeast Asia

Bangkok, Thailand, 20–22 October 2025 – Representatives from Southeast Asian governments, legal aid institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and legal practitioners gathered in Bangkok for the Regional Workshop on Enhancing Equal Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems.

The workshop was co-organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), and the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection of the Ministry of Justice of Thailand to promote regional dialogue on strengthening access to legal aid, with particular attention to groups with specific rights and needs in contact with the criminal justice system.

In recent years, Southeast Asian countries have made significant efforts to expand legal aid services. However, gaps remain in ensuring equal access for groups with specific needs, addressing cross-border cases, and sustaining funding mechanisms. The Bangkok workshop was convened to build momentum for collaborative solutions and share best practices among countries in the region.

The workshop was opened by Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of TIJ, who highlighted that legal aid must be people-centered rather than provider-driven, calling for more coordinated, evidence-based, and innovative approaches to ensure accessible, affordable, and accountable justice for all.

Ms. Anna Giudice, Team Leader of the Access to Justice Team, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Section, UNODC, also delivered welcoming remarks. She noted that the workshop aimed to develop joint recommendations and priorities to guide future regional cooperation and UNODC’s technical assistance in this area.

Over the three-day workshop, participants engaged in thematic discussions on:

UN standards on access to legal aid, with a particular focus on groups with specific needs
Delivery of criminal legal aid services in Southeast Asia: progress and challenges in implementing the UN Principles and Guidelines
The role of different stakeholders in providing legal aid services to groups with specific needs
Data-driven innovation: research and statistics to identify and address the situation of groups with specific rights and needs, including victims of crime
Establishing holistic legal aid services tailored to victim’s needs

Participants also took part in two interactive group sessions to exchange national experiences, identify barriers, and propose practical and innovative solutions.

A notable moment in the event was a dialogue with two individuals formerly deprived of liberty who benefited from legal aid and are now engaged in vocational and reintegration activities through TIJ’s Restart Academy.

One of them shared:

“Being part of the Restart Academy has given me the opportunity to have dignified work, fair pay, and a real chance to reintegrate into society after my time in detention.”

Their testimonies underscored the human impact of accessible legal aid and the importance of reintegration programmes grounded in dignity and opportunity.

Experts from the region highlighted the value of the workshop’s interactive and regional focus:

Margarita Gutierrez, Director of the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) of the Philippines, noted:

“We are very enthusiastic about these days of joint work with colleagues from the region. The way the organizers designed and facilitated each session made every discussion productive and participatory. We return home with many new and concrete ideas for improving access to justice. Without doubt, this has been the most meaningful workshop I have participated in during my professional career.”

Dr. Cancio Xavier, Public Defender General of the Public Defender’s Office of Timor-Leste, underlined that:

“...Our participation in this workshop was very helpful for us, especially in enabling me to contribute in my own capacity to assist people who are in need of legal aid.”

The workshop was closed by Ms. Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, Director of International Human Rights Division, the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, Ministry of Justice of Thailand. She called for continued collective efforts, saying:

“Let us continue working together to ensure that access to justice is not a privilege for a few, but a right for all, especially for those who are most vulnerable.”

Building on the outcomes of the Bangkok workshop, participants outlined future priorities to further advance equal access to legal aid. These include strengthening national legal aid frameworks, enhancing regional cooperation, and establishing sustainable platforms and networks for collaboration. They also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to improve service delivery and coverage. Ongoing challenges—such as shortages of qualified personnel, limited funding, and complexities in cross-border cooperation—remain key areas for continued regional engagement and collective action.

The Regional Workshop on Legal Aid marked an important milestone toward strengthening access to justice across Southeast Asia. Through shared commitment and cooperation, participating countries reaffirmed that equal access to legal aid is a fundamental pillar of the rule of law and a just society. This collective spirit of cooperation provides a solid foundation for future joint initiatives and sustained progress.

Moving forward, the workshop’s key takeaways will be consolidated into concrete recommendations and outcomes to be shared with all participants. These will support ongoing efforts across Southeast Asian countries to strengthen and develop their legal aid systems and guide UNODC’s continued work in advancing fair, effective, and people-centred criminal justice systems.

UNODC, together with its partners, will also explore new opportunities to further promote dialogue, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building in legal aid. By turning dialogue into tangible results, the organizers aim to ensure that equal access to legal aid becomes a lasting reality for all individuals in Southeast Asia.

United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime