The subsections below provide an overview of our three different work programs. For information on reseach and publications, see 'Publications' section. For more information about any particular part of our work, please contact the organization at 'Contact@China-Action.org'.

The Chinese Urgent Action Working Group conducts training sessions for predominantly rural 'barefoot' lawyers, who, despite not being certified lawyers, provide the bulk of legal aid outside major urban centers. 'Barefoot' lawyers also tend to take on more sensistive cases involving human rights violations. The program carries out step by step training of small groups of 'barefoot' lawyers, training them in primarily administrative and procedural law, as well as in relevant interational laws and mechinisms, with added training in IT- and communication. The use of smaller groups in training is designed to build cohesive, trusting groups of lawyers who can and will assist each other through sharing information, cases, and work-related experiences.

It is designed to strengthen not only the individual laywers' legal work, but to strenghten the infrastructure for 'barefoot' lawyers, and to enhance access to legal redress for disadvantaged groups.

Earlier training programs have also provided similar training for elected local village leaders.

The Chinese Urgent Action Working Group launches 'urgent actions' on behalf of illegally persecuted rights defenders in retaliation for their legal activity. Assistance takes many forms, but often centers on legal aid. The organization also provides financial assistance to defenders in need, or to their families, while working to overcome difficult situations. The organization also facilitates assistance from other organizations and institutions, usually those outside of China, to assist defenders in need.

Activities includes

• Fact-finding and investigations

• Legal analysis (both domestic and international law)

• Legal aid and representation

• Coordination of assistance with international organization and institutions

• Utilization of international mechanisms

• Public and closed-door advocacy

• Financial aid

The Chinese Urgent Action Working Group assists disadvantaged groups and individuals in seeking redress for rights violations by government and non-government bodies working in collusion with the government. The organization provides legal counsel, assistance and representation to assist with a variety of violations. Lawsuits often take the form of public interest litigation. Our lawyers also provide linformation on the legal system in general, or provide referalls to other lawyers when the situation necessitates assistance from outside of our organization.

Legal aid is provided for a variety of violations, but often centers on:

• Forced eviction and demolition

• Other forms of land rights

• Arbitrary administrative detention

• Unlawful Re-education through Labor detention

• Freedom of information requests