Anti-corruption requires a transparent legal system – a clear set of laws that are freely and easily accessible to all, strong enforcement structures, and an independent judiciary to protect citizens against abuse of power by the state, individuals or others. LexisNexis promotes anti-corruption and the rule of law through outreach and advocacy, educational forums, thought leadership, and the free dissemination of, and training on, LexisNexis solutions.
In 2008, LexisNexis donated $4.6 million through in-kind and cash contributions to support pro bono work around the globe. In conjunction with the division’s sponsorship of the World Justice Forum, which took place in Vienna in July 2008, LexisNexis launched the Rule of Law Resource Center, a free community connecting those working to advance the rule of law, providing them with relevant information, expert commentary, and other resources.
LexisNexis focuses on combating human trafficking by building legal capacity, raising awareness and collaboration, and serving victims. In 2008, LexisNexis was the sponsor of the American Bar Association’s National Training Institute on Civil Remedies for Human Trafficking Victims attended by 200 pro bono attorneys.
Among the NGOs we support working to eliminate human trafficking is the Somaly Mam Foundation established by a Cambodian woman sold into slavery and prostitution by her family. Her aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate slavery victims. In 2008, employees worked at the Foundation in Cambodia, helped write grant applications, implemented technology improvements, and undertook general fundraising, including three colleagues who summited Mount Rainier for the cause. Read about their efforts.
“I asked LexisNexis for help in further developing my staff...in the areas of strategy development, financial management, fundraising and communications. They created a task force to help my organization and we are making good progress. I am grateful for their help and appreciate the encouragement they provide my staff.”
Somaly Mam, President of Somaly Mam Foundation, Siem Riep, Cambodia
Because in some countries, citizens, businesses, and practicing lawyers have limited access to laws or legal decisions, LexisNexis South Africa has been working over a number of years to consolidate and update laws across the continent, encompassing by the close of 2008, seven countries including, South Africa, Kenya, Swaziland, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The division supports the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, in conjunction with the International Bar Association and Open Society of Southern Africa, which trains attorneys and supports human rights cases to advance the rule of law.