IMP LEMENTATIO N IN DE P T H A paralegal might set up a meeting with relevant actors and adopt approaches such as: • Encouraging them to see an issue from the client’s point of view. MEDIATION Mediation is a method of resolving disputes through discussion. It is intended to identify problems, clear up misunderstandings, explore solutions, and eventually reach an agreement that satisfies both sides. It may be useful if a client requires supporting documents, such as a parent’s birth or nationality certificate, from someone unwilling to provide them. Mediation between affected community members and dominant communities may also be useful to combat discrimination by non-state actors, or exclusion from socioeconomic rights, such as issues of land, access to services or employment, and discrimination. But be careful not to damage the program’s reputation for impartiality. •E  xplaining why their actions are unlawful or unreasonable, and what standards apply. •A  ppealing to the stakeholder’s own motivations or interests to show how they would benefit from resolving a client’s case. • Making them aware of the situation of stateless persons.  any of the techniques for local-level advocacy with the aim of M resolving individual cases are similar to those used in “Advocacy meetings” as part of a wider push for systemic change, and are therefore covered in section 10.4. How to ensure local-level advocacy is empowering • Involving clients in meetings and having them speak for themselves. •L  etting clients shape the process by deciding on strategies you will use and arguments you will make. • If they can do so safely, encouraging clients to speak to the media about their experiences in order to generate support for their cause in a way that amplifies their own voices. 9.5 Referrals At times, the project will be unable to assist clients with certain non-legal needs, or with more complex legal cases. Paralegals should still be able to give referrals, either by telling clients about other organizations or service-providers that can help, or, if appropriate and the client approves it, contact the organization in order to refer the client. If referring a client to a lawyer, paralegals may provide support for the lawyer(s) working on a case. Paralegals might handle most communication with the client, for example. These partnerships can develop paralegals’ skills, if they are involved in the legal strategizing and shadowing casework or if they assist with research. In some projects, paralegals concentrate on identification work and refer the majority of affected persons to lawyers. Paralegals may be excluded from assisting clients in detention, due to procedural rules, but might be able to serve as guarantors in the community for bail applications. Checklist of organizations, service providers or individuals to include in a referral directory: 4 Doctors, midwives, pharmacists, psychologists •S  ome projects may refer clients for psychological counseling, knowing that living invisibly has an impact on mental health. 4 4 110 |  helters, including women’s shelters S  ood banks or soup kitchens F A C O M M U N I T Y- B A S E D P R A C T I T I O N E R ’ S G U I D E : D O C U M E N T I N G C I T I Z E N S H I P A N D OT H E R F O R M S O F L E G A L I D E N T I T Y