We would also like to give special thanks to those who have provided valuable project specific support: AusAid (building effective collaboration between civil society and state institutions); British Embassy (empowering communities to assert their rights); French Embassy (support to Local Authorities); the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (institutional development); UNDP (strengthening the role of CSOs in human rights reporting, monitoring and advocacy; and USAID / International Rescue Committee (mitigating community level conflict in Manicaland). The LRF has greatly benefitted through the deployment of a Development Expert in Monitoring and Evaluation, supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The Annual meeting of the LRF’s Donor Partners took place on 26 November, 2013. Attended by twelve partner organisations, it was a fruitful review of the past year as well as providing useful guidance looking to 2014 and the new areas of focus occasioned by the changed political landscape and the new Constitution. Whilst we appreciate the tremendous support of our international funding partners, we do have concerns for the future given the demands on their governments linked to continuing austerity measures as well as their focus on crisis countries such as Syria and Gaza. We will continue working hard to ensure we maximise our impact with the funds we receive. Local Funding The Catholic and UCCA churches have continued to support the LRF through subsidised rentals for some of the legal advice centres and our special thanks go to them. Risk Management The achievement of our aims and objectives entails risks relating to operational needs, human resources, social and political policies and resource mobilisation, which all need to be managed. Appropriate internal control systems and risk management processes are in place to reduce the impact of identified risks and these are regularly reviewed by the Finance Committee. Board and Staff The success of the LRF is vested in its human capital. Although their work is entirely voluntary, the Trustees have unstintingly provided guidance and support during the year. The full Board met quarterly to consider the recommendations from the four specialist committees – Finance, Human Resources, Public Interest / Advocacy, and Publications. Ms Barbara Vitoria retired from the Board having provided valuable service, particularly in the area of corporate governance. The Board was pleased to welcome five new members, Mr Murray McCartney, who joined the Board in September 2013, Mr Emmanuel Ndebele in January 2014 and Mrs Nancy Samuriwo, Mr Samson Mugumisi and Mr Emmanuel Jinda who were elected to join the Board in June 2014. The Board of Trustees commends the loyalty of Senior Management, the Centre and Unit Managers and all the staff for the achievements of the past year and the effective manner in which they have coped with daily challenges and difficulties. The achievements and contributions of the LRF are only possible through the work of the staff and Trustees and the ongoing support and generosity of its partners. Conclusion The year under review has been a difficult one for Zimbabwe. The declining economy and political leadership vacuum are major hindrances to the development of the country. The LRF has however remained focused on its mandate, working for the protection of people’s rights. We are discussing with the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ways in which we can support efforts to make the justice delivery system more accessible and accountable. We have embarked on a pilot legal aid scheme to the Judicial Service Commission which will start off with paralegal services being available at a selected court for six months but potentially to be rolled out to all courts, albeit not as just an LRF initiative. This would mean that those having to interact with the courts will be better informed and advised as they take up their cases. The LRF may have reached the milestone of 30 years of service but we are aware that is no basis for complacency and we will continue in 2015 to strive to provide relevant services that address the needs of the people of Zimbabwe. 30