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About Us

Legal Aid and Consultancy Center (LACC) is a pioneering non-profit, women-led feminist and women’s rights organization dedicated to building a just and equitable society by promoting the rule of law and protecting human rights. Established in 1987 and officially registered in 1993 under the Association Registration Act of 1977, LACC has for nearly four decades safeguarded the rights of women, girls, children, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, conflict victims, survivors of gender-based violence, and informal sector workers. Its work centers on expanding access to justice, protecting rights, and promoting inclusion, while envisioning a society where all individuals live with dignity, equality, and protection under the law.

LACC provides free legal aid, psychosocial counseling, mediation, paralegal services, and court representation, alongside policy advocacy, legislative drafting, human rights training, awareness campaigns, and community empowerment initiatives. Led by a team of highly qualified female lawyers, the organization conducts outreach programs such as mobile legal camps and grassroots awareness drives, while mentoring and training the next generation of feminist lawyers through clinical legal education, leadership development, and capacity-building. With its holistic approach spanning grassroots empowerment, regional advocacy, and national policy reform, LACC remains committed to dismantling systemic barriers, challenging harmful social norms, strengthening women’s leadership, and ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for all.

To advance human rights and foster a society grounded in the rule of law, free from discrimination and violence.

A peaceful, just and equitable Nepal where every individual with dignity, freedom, and equal access to justice.

1. Safeguard human rights and promote dignity and equality for marginalized and vulnerable groups.

2. Promote access to justice for women, children, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities.

3. Strengthen the rule of law across all communities through advocacy and support for just and equitable laws and policies.

4. Enhance women’s leadership in state institutions and social structures, and foster inclusive legal systems that reflect diversity and protect fundamental freedoms

Our Working Areas

Focused Actions for Justice, Equality, and Empowerment

Access to Justice Theme

Access to justice is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 20 of the Constitution of Nepal. Despite this constitutional assurance, women, children, and marginalized communities continue to face numerous challenges in realizing this right. In response, the Legal Aid and Consultancy Center (LACC) has established itself as a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing access to justice for women and children, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalized groups. Since its inception in 1987, LACC has consistently implemented innovative approaches to improve justice outcomes.

Its primary objective is to address all forms of violence against women, including gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, discriminatory actions, and violations of human rights. Beyond violence, LACC also works to dismantle barriers to essential services such as citizenship and vital registration, while advocating for the rights of women in the entertainment sector, migrant workers, victims of human trafficking, and those employed in the informal economy. Through strong policy advocacy on women, peace, and security, LACC empowers survivors to navigate complex justice pathways with dignity and resilience. This thematic focus also contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Human Rights and Gender Justice Theme

LACC has been a pioneering organization in Nepal, dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights and advancing gender justice. Its work focuses particularly on women, minorities, and accountability, ensuring that individuals and communities can claim their rights while holding government and other actors responsible for upholding them.

Gender-based violence and gender inequality remain among the most pervasive violations of human rights. Without guaranteeing gender justice and safeguarding fundamental rights, it is impossible to envision an equitable and just society. Guided by its vision of creating such a society, LACC works at the intersection of human rights and gender justice, addressing systemic barriers and empowering marginalized groups.

LACC’s initiatives encompass advocacy, movement-building, integrated service delivery and awareness campaigns on critical human rights issues, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and climate justice, human trafficking, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). These efforts are implemented through diverse strategies such as policy dialogues, advocacy programs, rallies, campaigns, workshops, seminars, and the mobilization of trained networks. Together, these interventions reinforce LACC’s role as a catalyst for systemic change and a trusted leader in advancing justice and equality in Nepal.

Women Empowerment Theme

The Legal Aid and Consultancy Center (LACC) is committed to advancing women’s empowerment by promoting their sense of self-worth, strengthening their ability to make independent choices, and ensuring their right to influence social change through equal representation and active participation. We envision women’s meaningful representation across all state structures, with active involvement at every level of decision making, supported by leadership development initiatives.

LACC empowers women to understand and claim their rights, builds their capacity to demand justice, and equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with the legal system and advocate to hold institutions accountable. In addition, LACC supports women law students and young women lawyers by enhancing their practical knowledge through clinical legal education and mentoring programs. In addition, LACC strengthens the agency of women’s groups and mobilizes communities to drive sustainable change.

Our work also challenges discriminatory social norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence and inequality. By equipping women with the necessary resources, knowledge, skill and opportunities, LACC enables them to advocate for women’s rights, access to justice, and live lives free from violence.

Under this thematic area, LACC undertakes the following activities:

Celebrating 39 Years of Progress & Our Achievement

District Coverage

Total Beneficiary

Recipient of Legal Aid Service

Recognition

Legal Assistance Inquiry

Your rights deserve to be protected, and we’re here to stand by your side. Whether you need legal guidance, support in difficult times, or a voice to speak up for justice — we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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Testimonial

Hear from our beneficiaries : real stories, real impact.

From Abuse to Justice and Hope

LACC has stood beside thousands of women like me who have faced injustice. I am one of them. For years, I suffered deeply from my husband’s abuse, with no idea where to turn or what to do. Through a friend, I found LACC, and from that moment my life began to change. With their continuous legal aid, I was able to secure my property rights in both the District Court and the High Court. Today, my case is being heard in the Supreme Court—a legal battle I could never have fought alone, especially given the enormous costs. Without LACC’s support, justice would have remained out of reach. I am profoundly grateful to Advocate Ms. Chandeshwari Tandukar and the dedicated team who stood by me throughout this painful journey. Their guidance gave me back the courage and strength I had lost. LACC has given me a new life, a foundation to live with dignity and hope for myself and my children.

Sarita Thapa

Beneficiary

From Exclusion to Empowerment

My name is Nisha Tamang. When my brother and I were very young, our father abandoned us and disappeared, leaving us to be raised by our mother and grandparents. As we grew older, the absence of our father became a barrier to our future—our school required a birth certificate we could not obtain, and later, my mother was unable to confer citizenship rights without his presence. Although we were legally entitled to citizenship, the system denied us recognition. For years, local authorities failed to provide any support. It was only when I approached the LACC that hope returned. LACC filed a writ petition in the High Court on my behalf, demanding that I be granted citizenship through my mother’s name. With their unwavering support, I successfully secured my rightful citizenship. Today, both my brother and I stand proud as citizens of Nepal, deeply grateful to LACC for turning years of exclusion into a victory for justice and dignity. Our story is proof that inclusive legal action can break systemic barriers and restore hope to those long denied their rights.

Nisha Tamang

Beneficiary

Breaking Barriers for Badi Women

Women from Nepal’s Badi community have long been denied social security allowances because government systems require proof of a husband’s or father’s identity documents many do not have. Despite being among the most economically vulnerable, their applications were routinely rejected. With support from the LACC, affected women and community representatives challenged this exclusion through a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court. On 17 August 2025, the Court issued a landmark order directing the government to ensure Badi women can access benefits based on their own identity. This victory not only secures vital financial assistance for marginalized women but also sets a precedent for more inclusive and equitable social protection policies in Nepal.

Beneficiary

Healing Through Legal and Psychosocial Support

Ana (name changed) first approached LACC seeking legal counseling and support with the intention of filing for divorce. After carefully assessing the situation, the lawyer recognized the need to involve her husband and invited him for consultation. During this process, it became evident that the husband was experiencing severe stress and emotional distress. He was therefore referred for psychosocial counseling, where he disclosed suicidal thoughts and overwhelming mental pressure. Through continuous counseling sessions, he gradually experienced emotional relief, developed insight into his own behavior, and began to acknowledge his mistakes. With guidance, he adopted meditation, self-care practices, and positive coping strategies that reduced negative thinking and improved his emotional regulation. In parallel, LACC’s lawyer facilitated mediation sessions between the couple. The combined approach legal counseling, psychosocial support, and mediation helped the couple reconcile. They decided to continue their relationship and are now living together peacefully and happily. Ana shared her heartfelt reflection: “I think this relationship might have broken without psychosocial counseling and meditation. Through counseling, we were able to reconcile. My husband has improved significantly. Thank you.”

Beneficiary

Claiming Property Rights with Courage

I am Maya Khadgi, a 54 year old resident of Ward No. 17, Kathmandu, and a proud service recipient of the LACC. Referred by WOREC Nepal, I sought help after my shares of property were transferred without my consent, denying me and my children our rightful inheritance. With LACC’s legal aid, I filed a case against my family to reclaim my property rights. Alongside legal representation, I received free counseling and services that eased the heavy burden of pursuing justice. From the initial filing to the stage of final decision, the unwavering support of LACC’s legal aid lawyers, Ms. Shakuntala Basnet and Ms. Goma Gurung, has been invaluable. Their dedication gave me strength during one of the most difficult battles of my life. In our society, many survivors remain silent in the face of injustice because of the high financial costs of legal remedies. LACC’s free services broke down this barrier for me, making it possible to fight for my rights without fear of expense. Today, I stand with dignity and hope, deeply grateful to LACC for empowering me to claim justice for myself and my children.

Maya Shahi Khadgi

Beneficiary

Healing Through Legal and Psychosocial Support

Beneficiary

Securing Justice in Times of Vulnerability

At just 15, following the death of her elder sister, Laxmi was married to her brother in law and became the caregiver of his young son, later raising three daughters of her own. Despite building a small, happy family, her life took a painful turn when her husband fell ill and her son, under the influence of relatives, turned against her, subjecting her and her daughter to abuse and neglect. Pressured to leave her home and denied care for her ailing husband, she sought support from the Legal Aid and Consultancy Center (LACC). With LACC’s steadfast legal aid and guidance, she secured a court decision affirming her rightful share of property, a crucial step toward justice and dignity. Her story reflects the transformative power of legal support in protecting women’s rights during moments of deep vulnerability.