Call For Papers: GNLU's 3rd International Conference On 'Access To Justice In South Asia'

Gujarat National Law University (“GNLU”) is a statutory University established under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003, by the Government of Gujarat. Recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), GNLU holds membership in the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), and the International Association of Law Schools (IALS). Offering interdisciplinary legal courses including B.A. LL.B., B.S.W. LL.B., B.COM. LL.B., B.SC. LL.B. and B.B.A. LL.B., GNLU also provides post-graduate programs such as LLM and doctoral programs in law and interdisciplinary fields. GNLU extends its academic offerings to include a Ph.D. program in Social Work, uniquely designed for interdisciplinary study combining law and social work perspectives.

Centre For Law And Society

The GNLU Centre for Law and Society (“GCLS/Centre”), nearing completion of a decade since its inception, is the focal point for socio-legal research at GNLU. Dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, training, and extension activities in law and society, as well as legal institutions, the Centre promotes a comprehensive approach to addressing socio-legal issues. Embracing diverse perspectives, their mission is to identify contemporary issues of significance, distill academic expertise, and provide practitioners with relevant and applicable knowledge. They strive to enhance the accessibility of their work for professionals in government, business, and law, bridging the gap between academia and policy-making. They bring together researchers and thinkers through our programs and events, disseminating insights and analyses through briefings, reports, and multimedia presentations. Fuelled by creativity and curiosity, the Centre is committed to fulfilling its social, cultural, and economic obligations towards India and the global community.

Celebrating over 14 years of success in offering their unique B.S.W. LL.B. integrated program, they are pleased to announce their third edition of the 'International Conference on Law, Social Work, and Human Rights' scheduled for March 16 - 17, 2024 (“Conference”). The theme of this edition is “Access to Justice in South Asia.”

Access to justice in South Asia is a nuanced interplay of legal infrastructure, societal norms, economic factors, and technological advancements. In the diverse and populous nations of the South Asian region, achieving equitable access to justice is a paramount yet challenging goal.

Considering these challenges, GCLS is convening this Conference. With this edition of the Conference, the Centre aims to focus on delving into intricate dimensions of access to justice in South Asia. By facilitating critical discussions that bring together experts, scholars, and practitioners from diverse fields, the Conference seeks to redefine access to justice across the region. Key discussions at the Conference would include empowering child-friendly legal processes, justice through alternative dispute resolution, advancing social justice via interdisciplinary programs in legal education, aligning legal reforms with SDG 16.3, and fostering innovative entrepreneurial solutions. The Conference endeavors to collaboratively craft actionable strategies and roadmaps, contributing to a fair, inclusive, and efficient socio-legal landscape.

Broad Themes: The theme of this year's Conference is 'Access to Justice in South Asia'. The below list of themes is indicative. Papers on other sub-themes consistent with the central theme will also be considered.

Call for Papers: The list of sub-themes, detailed submission guidelines, and registration details can be found in the enclosed brochure. They invite original and unpublished research papers on the specified themes by February 20, 2024, following the guidelines outlined in the brochure. The registration and submission form can also be accessed through this link.

I. Access to Justice Within the Indian and International Legal Systems in South Asia

• Access to Justice in Cases of Prisoners/Context of Criminal Justice
• International Human Rights Standards and their Implementation in South Asia
• Pro-People Orders and their Efficiency in Ensuring Access to Justice
• Right to Fair Trial
• Role of the Directive Principles of State Policy in Shaping the Judicial System
• Victim's Rights and Access to Justice

II. Access to Justice Challenges

• Access to Justice for Marginalised and Vulnerable Populations
• Access to Justice in Rural and Backward Areas
• Caste-Based Oppression and Access to Justice
• Intersectionality and Access to Justice
• Language in Judiciary and Access to Justice
• Livelihoods and Access to Justice

III. Access to Justice and the Use of Innovative Tools and Technology

• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Access to Justice
• Artificial Intelligence/ Technology and Access to Justice
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Promoting Innovations in Access to Justice
• Human-Centered (Policy) Design for Improved Access to Justice
• Innovative Solutions and Social Entrepreneurial Initiatives for Accessible Justice
• Role of NGOs, Civil Societies, and Institutional Collaborations or Interdisciplinary Programs in Legal Education.

IV. Access to Justice in Cases of Emergency in South Asia

• Access to Justice in the Context of Humanitarian Crisis/Disasters
• Access to Legal Aid and Services in Humanitarian Crises: Challenges and Solutions
• Criminal and Civil Reforms to Improve Access to Justice
• Reforms in Policing System to Ensure Prompt and Fair Police Participation
• Access to Justice During Insurgency
• Access to Justice for Vulnerable Groups during Emergencies

Schedule Of The Conference

Fee Structure and Payment

Foreign Participants may opt to present their papers virtually. For more information refer to the brochure

For any queries or assistance, feel free to contact the conference convenor at socialworkconference@gnlu.ac.in or reach out to Mr. Ayush Rastogi, TRA, GCLS,  +91 90273 69136