Haramaya University Participates in the Second Bi-Annual Meeting of the EU-Funded Legal Aid Basket Fund Program
Haramaya University College of Law participated in the Second Bi-Annual Meeting for Basket Fund Sub-Grantees for Legal Aid Service Provision, held from November 27–28, 2025, under the EU-Funded Program on Strengthening Criminal Justice Reform in Ethiopia.
The workshop was organized by the Center for Justice (CJ) in collaboration with UNODC brought together legal aid clinics, civil society organizations, and key justice sector stakeholders. The event served as an important platform for learning, experience sharing, coordination, and networking, all aimed at enhancing the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of legal aid services in Ethiopia.
The event was attended by high-level officials, including Dr. Ermias Yemanebrihan, State Minister at the Ministry of Justice; representatives of the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, led by Associate Rule of Law, Peace, and Governance Programme Manager Ms. Fevan Netsenet; and Mr. Abraham Ayalew Head of the UNODC Ethiopia Office, among other distinguished participants.
Haramaya University form it’s part was represented by Mr. Chala Yuye Kemer, Coordinator of the University Free Legal Aid Service Program and EECBA Project. Mr. Chala presented the University’s achievements, highlighted key challenges, and reaffirmed Haramaya University’s strong commitment to expanding access to justice for underserved and marginalized communities.
Throughout the events participants engaged in several high-level sessions, including: Validation and handover of the Legal Aid Manuals and Guidelines; Experience-sharing presentations from university and CSO sub-grantees; Plenary discussions and networking sessions focused on coordination and partnership building; A Human Rights Day–themed session emphasizing the importance of legal aid for vulnerable groups; Deliberations on the establishment of a National Network of Legal Aid Service Providers
The project is founded on the belief that quality, accessible, and well-coordinated legal aid services strengthen public trust, increase service utilization, and contribute to improved justice outcomes. Through enhanced partnerships, effective coordination, and targeted capacity-building initiatives, the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to improving access to justice for all.
Haramaya University remains dedicated to strengthening and expanding its free legal aid services and contributing to a more just, inclusive, and equitable society.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate