INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES TO JUSTICE

Programs

1. China: in 2025, ibj continued to support chinese lawyers with online training resources. Our china elearning website currently hosts 120+ modules on topics ranging from basic advocacy skills such as developing a theory of the case, reviewing a case file, and cross-examination, to more complex topics such as understanding forensic evidence and defending clients with mental or physical disabilities. A major area of growth was ibj's digital learning program: seven new elearning modules on due process and access to justice were developed, alongside expanded minority-language access through the addition of four mongolian-language modules and nine tibetan-language modules. By the end of the year, ibj's china elearning platform recorded 16,483 accesses, with an additional 34,370 accesses on its minority-language platform, reflecting strong demand for accessible legal education. Ibj also continued to disseminate know your rights materials and raise awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities within the criminal justice system, contributing to broader understanding of legal protections and fair trial standards.

   $1,159,762 spent
   48% of program spending

2. Mena region: syria: in 2025, ibj deepened its work in syria by combining direct legal representation with long-term investment in a stronger, more rights-based defender community. Ibj provided legal representation to 379 detained or at-risk individuals, including 127 children, many of whom were awaiting trial without counsel in an under-resourced justice system. Juveniles were especially vulnerable, often detained in adult facilities and exposed to heightened risk of rights violations. To strengthen legal defense capacity, ibj trained 128 lawyers, including 62 women, through a training of trainers model and four multi-day criminal defense and trial advocacy workshops in azaz, idlib, deir ezzor, and aleppo. These trainings improved participants' skills in case analysis, evidence handling, procedural safeguards, and trial advocacy, while helping standardize rights-based defense practices across multiple jurisdictions. Ibj also supported 18 justicemakers fellows, including 8 women, equipping them to serve not only as legal aid providers, but also as mentors, trainers, and leaders of long-term reform within their communities. Institutional partnerships were reinforced through…

   $571,069 spent
   23% of program spending

3. Indonesia: in 2025, ibj continued to strengthen access to justice for women in conflict with the law through a combination of legal aid, psychosocial support, public awareness, and national-level advocacy. Project partners and justicemakers fellows provided legal protection to 658 vulnerable women, while members of the pro bono lawyers network took on an additional 167 cases, bringing the total number of women who received legal representation to 825. The program also delivered psychosocial support to 189 women, all of whom reported improved ability to cope with the emotional and psychological strain associated with their cases. Public awareness efforts reached an estimated 5.26 million people through radio, digital media, and community outreach, significantly expanding understanding of due process and fair trial rights. At the policy level, ibj convened 75 justice sector stakeholders at a national networking forum, helping elevate the criminalization of women victims of violence as a systemic issue. Institutional partnerships were further strengthened through a memorandum of understanding with peradi, the indonesian advocates association, supporting the sustainability of the pro…

   $411,560 spent
   17% of program spending

4. Myanmar: despite ongoing conflict, natural disasters, and significant operational constraints, ibj sustained legal aid services across myanmar while continuing to support women, children, and marginalized communities. Through its five justice centres, ibj provided legal representation to 380 accused persons and delivered legal advice and referrals to 734 individuals, while handling 363 cases, including 60 politically sensitive and 147 appellate cases. In parallel, ibj strengthened the capacity of legal professionals by training 236 lawyers and 93 other justice stakeholders, and invested in long-term system resilience through an internship program reaching 28 law students from seven universities. The program also advanced survivor-centered and gender-responsive justice through an online roundtable on violence against women, while supporting children in conflict with the law to access rehabilitative, non-custodial outcomes and assisting vulnerable women to avoid unnecessary detention. Despite armed conflict, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake, and severe flooding, ibj maintained operations throughout the year, with a new british council myjustice programme contract signed in september…

   $196,309 spent
   8% of program spending

5. Other program services - africa: in 2025, ibj programs in africa continued to contribute towards strengthening the rule of law by delivering legal aid to vulnerable populations, building institutional capacity, and expanding rights awareness, despite resource constraints and growing demand. In burundi, rwanda, and across the region, ibj maintained strong partnerships with key justice stakeholders through trainings, memoranda of understanding, and collaborative initiatives. In burundi, burundi bridges to justice (bbj) provided legal advice and representation to 180 accused persons, including women and children, achieving 58 dismissals and acquittals, while training 11 lawyers and 10 justice stakeholders. In rwanda, ibj provided legal representation to 168 vulnerable individuals and legal advice to over 200 people, while also supporting juvenile cases and delivering psychosocial assistance to inmates. The program strengthened institutional capacity through targeted trainings for civil society leaders, correctional service cadets, and justice actors, and reinforced partnerships through agreements with the ministry of justice and rwanda correctional service. Across the region, ibj's…

   $89,514 spent
   4% of program spending

6. Other : cambodia, india, usa

   $13,250 spent
   1% of program spending

The 6 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $2,441,464.