A.A Conference Kigali

Thematic Overview

This year’s theme is: “We are the pleasing aroma of Christ” which is taken from 2 Corinthians 2:14-17. The theme is a call to action for our collective calling as Christian Lawyers. During the Conference, it is anticipated that various legal topics will be covered including Constitutional Law, Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law & International Trade, Human Rights under the African Charter and other matters. This will be in addition to the networking/fellowship that is expected to take place in keeping with the Christian exhortation to meet regularly and encourage & uplift one another.

Conference Objectives

The Conference aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences, best practices and ideas among lawyers. It is also intended that attendants will be made aware of emerging legal issues and also encouraged to do justice, show compassion and practice law as calling. Finally, it is expected that the Conference will involve planning future activities for Advocates Africa including identifying a venue for the next Conference in 2027.

Conference Sub-Themes

The Conference will cover the following topical areas:

A. Justice and Technology: A case study of Rwanda and comparisons with other African countries that have deployed technology in the Governance, Justice, Law & Order Sectors.

B. Freedom of Religion - recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right and how Christian lawyers should respond to persecution.

C. Alternative Dispute Resolution (Arbitration, Mediation & Negotiation) including the use of the Gacaca Courts in Rwanda

D. Family Law – Marriage under African Constitutions and the African Charter & other instruments.

E. Children Law – Balancing the rights of the Child and parental rights in the context of raising children in 21st Century Africa.

F. Refugee Law – emerging trends and practices for displaced populations in Africa.

G. Forensic Science and its impact on legal practice including in criminal and civil law.

H. General Legal Practice including the lawyer and his/her mental & physical health.

Why Attend?

Networking opportunities including: (i) Connecting with fellow lawyers - attorneys, judges, and legal scholars, which can lead to valuable professional relationships; and (ii)Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with experienced practitioners who can offer guidance and mentorship.

Access to legal experts: During the Conference delegates will have opportunity to hear from renowned legal experts and influential figures in the legal community.

Continuing legal Education (CLE): For Rwandese lawyers, attendance at the Conference will make you eligible to receive two (2) CLE Credits.

Attendance certification – those who attend the Conference will receive certificates of attendance

Appreciate the legal realities of the host country (Rwanda).

Organization & Structure

Conference will run for a duration of three (3) days during which the participants will experience the following:

a.Presentations by seasoned legal practitioners.

b.Plenary sessions to allow for discussions on presentations made.

c.Field visits to various sites of legal significance in Kigali.

d.Numerous networking opportunities.

Key Audience

It is anticipated that the Conference will draw an audience of approximately 350 participants in total drawn from a diverse group of Christian Lawyers including members from the forty - three (43) countries where Advocates Africa has a presence. As noted above, these will include government officials, judicial officers (judges and magistrates), academics/lecturers, practicing advocates (in private, corporate & international practice) and law students.

It is also expected that high level dignitaries, respected clergy and other opinion leaders from Rwanda will be in attendance.