MOU at the National Association of Catholic Lawyers dinner

The Kelsons Relief and Care Foundation (KRCF) recently delivered a goodwill message at a Dinner and Talk Programme organized by the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) Abuja Chapter, marking a significant moment of engagement between both institutions. The event provided a thoughtful platform for dialogue on justice, equity, and the moral responsibility of institutions to protect the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable members of society.

During the engagement, KRCF reaffirmed its identity as a non-governmental organization duly registered under Nigerian law with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The Foundation emphasized that its vision, mission, core values, focus, and thematic areas are firmly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspired by the Biblical injunction in Matthew 25:35–40, which calls for compassion, service, and justice for those in need. This shared value base formed the foundation for deeper collaboration with NACL, particularly in the area of Social Justice.

In line with this shared commitment, both organizations discussed and agreed on a strategic partnership framework to advance KRCF’s Social Justice thematic area, which seeks to promote equity, fairness, and human rights while driving systemic change within communities. Central to this collaboration is a coordinated effort to address the plight of low-income and indigent inmates, especially those incarcerated due to minor offences, inability to pay fines, wrongful detention, or prolonged awaiting-trial cases. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to strengthen access to justice and uphold the rule of law.

Under the agreed responsibilities, KRCF will provide financial support within its approved budget to facilitate the release of eligible low-income inmates with minor options of fines, ensure the logistics and coordination of Catholic lawyers offering pro bono legal services, advocate for prison reform policies in line with global best practices, and promote the rehabilitation and empowerment of released inmates to prevent recidivism. The Foundation will also maintain regular communication with stakeholders and responsibly share censored success stories and testimonies to demonstrate impact and accountability.

On its part, the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, in collaboration with the Catholic Correctional Ministry and other relevant agencies, will provide pro bono legal aid services to identified inmates, verify eligibility for release, and prioritize cases involving wrongful detention or minor offences. NACL will also ensure proper documentation, case reporting, and continuous updates on court appearances and case status, thereby guaranteeing transparency and effective case management throughout the intervention process.

In conclusion, the goodwill engagement and partnership dialogue between KRCF and the National Association of Catholic Lawyers represent a significant step toward strengthening access to justice, human dignity, and social equity. This collaboration directly advances SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through faith-driven values, strategic collaboration, and sustained advocacy, KRCF remains committed to restoring hope, promoting justice, and building inclusive communities where no one is left behind.

A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN KELSONS RELIEF AND CARE FOUNDATION AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC LAWYERS.

Kelsons Relief and Care Foundation is a non-governmental Organization established in accodiance with Nigerian laws under Corporate Affairs Commission.

KRCF Vision, Mission, Core Values, Focus and Thematic areas are in line with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and in obedience to the Biblical injunction of the Gospel of Matthew 25:35-40.
In pursuant of these unique goals of KRCF and the National Association Catholic Lawyer agreed to undertake the following responsibilities to ensure the implementation of “Social Justice” Thematic area of KRCF that works to advance equity and fairness for all by advocating for human rights and working towards a systemic change to ensure justice and equity in every community, which aligns with the Mission and Vision of National Association Catholic Lawyers.

The collective responsibilities will ensure the periodic release of the inmates with minimal amount of option of fine but are still incarcerated for not being able to afford the stipulated fine and probonor legal services for the inmates who cannot afford Legal services as a result of lack of funds.

1. KRCF will periodically provide financial resources according to their budget when necessary and based needs to facilitate the release of low/poor income prisoners with minor option of FINE to ensure their release and Reintegration with their family members.
2. KRCF will facilitate and ensure the Logistics of Catholic Lawyers Association members who will engage on probonor legal services during during appearance(s) .
3. KRCF in collaboration with National Association Catholic Lawyers will advocate for Prison Reforms Policies that will conform to global best practices
4. KRCF will promote rehabilitation of released inmates and provide Empowerment to indigent persons to avoid their return to prison
5. KRCF will maintain regular communication with the Stakeholders to build confidence and reputation .
6. KRCF will ensure success stories and testimonies from beneficiaries are shared in a censored manner to ascertain impact of the intervention.

The National Association Catholic Lawyers on the other hand will ensure the following responsibilities:

1. The National Association Catholic Lawyers (NACL) in collaboration with the Catholic Correctional Ministry and other relevant agencies will offer Legal aid services to the identified low income prisoners on probonor to Social Justice and rule of Law especially in the cases of wrongly detained persons or have be imprisoned for minor offences or on awaiting trial and are unable to afford Legal services on the account of lack of funds.
2. NACL will maintain regular communication with through reports on the development of the being handled; and this will include dates of appearance and position of the case.
3. NACL will also ensure the verification of inmates with minimal option of fines and eligibility for release.
4. NACL will identify prisoners who will benefit from the intervention, prioritizing those who are most in need.
5. NACL will ensure the collection of necessary documents per prisoner that will benefit from the intervention. Such document includes :

1. Court Records
2. Prison Records
3. Court Payment receipt.
4. Dio data of the prisoner that will be released including address, contact and any other relevant documents that may be useful to KRCF

Below is an appreciation letter from NACL to underscore the importance of the collaboration, the activities carried our and support given to the NACL. Click to view the appreciation letter