Foundation for Access to Rights - FAR

The Foundation for Access to Rights-FAR is a Bulgarian non-governmental organization founded by Ph.D. attorney-at-law Valeria Ilareva in the public interest in 2013. Our mission is to guarantee practical access to rights and effective protection against arbitrary deprivation of rights. We stand for the establishment of effective mechanisms to ensure access to rights in practice and effective protection against arbitrary deprivation of rights; increasing the institutional and public awareness, sensitivity and commitment to the need to address systemic problems in access to fundamental human rights in Bulgaria; development of a favourable legislative environment in line with European and inter... read more The Foundation for Access to Rights-FAR is a Bulgarian non-governmental organization founded by Ph.D. attorney-at-law Valeria Ilareva in the public interest in 2013. Our mission is to guarantee practical access to rights and effective protection against arbitrary deprivation of rights. We stand for the establishment of effective mechanisms to ensure access to rights in practice and effective protection against arbitrary deprivation of rights; increasing the institutional and public awareness, sensitivity and commitment to the need to address systemic problems in access to fundamental human rights in Bulgaria; development of a favourable legislative environment in line with European and international standards for the protection of human rights and the establishment of best practices on access to rights. Our main activities are: LEGAL AID We provide legal aid to migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and stateless people in situations revealing systemic problems in access to rights where the solution of these problems would lead to enhanced social justice. Our lawyers provide legal consultations, written opinions and assistance, and procedural representation before judicial and administrative bodies. RESEARCH We conduct independent professional research on access to rights in Bulgaria. ADVOCACY Through advocacy events and meetings and the production of media campaigns, we increase the institutional and public awareness, sensitivity and commitment to the need to address systemic problems in access to fundamental human rights. Thus we contribute to developing a favourable (legislative) environment in line with European and international standards for protecting human rights and establishing best practices on access to rights. SHARING KNOWLEDGE Informing the public and the media about the findings and recommendations of studies conducted, as well as on the existence of barriers to access to rights. Providing training, printed and digital resources for students, lawyers, judges, volunteers, and the staff of institutions working with refugees and immigrants.