The Micronesian Legal Services Corporation (MLSC), a nonprofit that provides free legal help to low-income individuals, is facing a major funding shortfall. Due to a 15% cut in support from the U.S. Legal Services Corporation (LSC), MLSC expects to lose about $400,000 in its 2025 budget. To continue helping people in Palau, the organization is asking the government for an additional $75,000 in funding.
MLSC offers free legal help to people who can’t afford a lawyer. Their work includes:
- Helping families with land disputes and leases, especially as U.S. military activity increases in areas like Peleliu and Angaur.
- Supporting victims of domestic violence by providing legal protection.
- Ensuring economic stability by assisting people with housing and employment issues.
In 2024 alone, MLSC closed over 4,100 cases across Micronesia, many of them in Palau. The organization also educates people about their legal rights and helps communities understand complex legal issues, such as property ownership and lease agreements.
Without additional funding, MLSC may have to cut services, leaving many Palauans without legal assistance. This could mean:
- More families struggling with unresolved land disputes that affect homeownership and business opportunities.
- Fewer protections for vulnerable groups, including victims of abuse and people with disabilities.
- Longer wait times for legal help, making it harder for those in urgent need to get assistance.
MSLC has promised to use any additional funding responsibly, providing transparent reports on how the money is spent. With the Palauan government’s support, the organization can continue to serve people who need legal aid the most.
For many, MLSC is the only hope for justice. Without it, the most vulnerable in Palau could lose their legal voice. (By: L.N. Reklai)