Description

The National Legal Aid Strategy developed by the Ministry of Justice in 2022/2023. The Strategy aims to safeguard those rights protected by the constitution including the right of access to justice, the right to life, the security and liberty of persons, rights of persons arrested, rights of persons accused, the rights of persons held in custody and convicted prisoners. It also aims to safeguard the right of children and women. The Strategy would also support the State in its obligation to protect and promote those fundamental right and freedoms enshrined in the UDHR, International Covenants on Human Rights and international instruments adopted by Ethiopia. The Government Bureaus entrusted by law, higher learning institutions and civil society organizations have been providing free legal aid services. The Strategy would provide a free legal aid services across the country in a coordinated manner and put in place a uniform system. The Strategy would be relevant in implementing article 30(2) of the Refugee Proclamation that states that refugees may have access to legal counseling or assistance provided in accordance with the laws of Ethiopia.