On the 11th of June 2020, leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced the release of the Youth Rights Resource Compass, a website that seeks to help children and youngsters all around the globe inform themselves about what is still accessible to them during the times of the coronavirus crisis. For developing this one-of-a-kind platform, Baker McKenzie has partnered with different organizations, like the Center for International Rights, and has already been counting on the help of 250 volunteers so far. 

The Youth Rights Resource Compass directs young people and those who advocate for them to those entities, organization, government and other agencies which are open and available to them during the current of the COVID-19 pandemic. The website includes contacts for resources on Safety, Health, Education, Rights and Services, providing websites, phone numbers, social media resources and physical addresses to enable children and youth to find and get access to the resources they need. Whenever possible, the information given on the platform is available in the local language(s). 

Jaime Trujillo, Chair of Baker McKenzie in Latin America, and the firm´s Executive Committee member in charge of Pro Bono, commented on the launch: “I am so proud of our people and those who we worked with outside of the Firm to produce the Youth Rights Resource Compass. This platform will serve as a lifeline to those who need help knowing where to turn to during a time of need. The Compass is also further evidence of our passionate commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project is yet another example of how the SDGs inspire our people to partner with like-minded organizations, including our clients, to increase our positive impact".

Angela Vigil, Partner and Executive Director of Baker McKenzie’s Pro Bono Practice in North America added, “Governments, civil society and NGOs are scrambling to try to help children and youth get out of harm's way as this virus continues to travel throughout the globe and preys on the world's most vulnerable. We are proud to support the effort to protect them with this platform. The Compass website highlights a collection of resources that are still available in countries around the globe as offices, shelters, courts and other institutions may be shutting down. The platform will be updated on an ongoing basis as we receive new information from charities and other organizations working on the ground in countries around the world.”