The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Viet Nam Lawyers' Association yesterday launched a three-year project to promote legal empowerment for poor and vulnerable groups in Viet Nam. The project will be funded with $1.2 million by the UNDP. It will support the association and its associated Legal Consultancy Network and civil society organizations in raising people's legal consciousness. It is also intended to help them participate in the country's legal and judicial reform progress. The project is expected to increase the partnership between social organizations and the lawyers' association in addressing social injustices. Since 2007, UNDP has assisted the association in strengthening the capacity and participation of its members in providing access to justice for the poor. (Vietnam News Aug 29)