Haramaya University College of Law Secures UNODC Grant to Bolster Access to Justice in Ethiopia
Haramaya University’s College of Law has been awarded a 75,000 USD grant from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), funded through the European Union (EU), to enhance and expand its free legal aid services within the Ethiopian criminal justice system.
The agreement, formally signed between the College of Law and UNODC, aims to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the poor and women.
The project, titled “Enhancing, Expanding, and Creating Better Access to the Haramaya University College of Law Free Legal Aid Program,” will be implemented over the next 18 months. It will focus on improving legal literacy within targeted communities, providing legal advice, drafting legal pleadings, and offering court representation for low-income individuals facing criminal charges. The initiative will also support the local justice sector, including customary courts, and upgrade equipment and resources for existing legal aid centers.
This grant marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable access to justice,” stated Dr. Richard Wentzel, Dean of the College of Law at Haramaya University. “Through this partnership with UNODC, we will be able to significantly expand our reach and impact, providing vital legal assistance to those who need it most.
Haramaya University’s College of Law currently operates 57 free legal service centers across the East and West Hararghe Zones, Maya City in the Oromia National Regional State, and the Harari People’s National Regional State. These centers, in collaboration with the Community Engagement and Industry Linkage Directorate, served over 117,000 clients in the previous budget year, providing services valued at over 80 million ETB. Services include legal advice, legal awareness campaigns, preparation of legal documents, and full court representation from the first instance to the Supreme Court and Cassation Bench. A weekly radio program, “Law and Community,” on HU FM 91.5, further extends the college’s outreach.
The UNODC project, “Improved Access to Quality Legal Aid Services in the Ethiopian Criminal Justice System,” aligns with the broader goal of enhancing access to justice, particularly for marginalized groups. The College of Law has a proven track record of successful collaborations with organizations such as USAID, the European Union, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, and Project Expedite Justice.
Dr. Richard acknowledged the dedication of the college’s free legal aid lawyers, who work tirelessly in challenging and remote conditions. “Their unwavering commitment to serving the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable is the foundation of our success,” he emphasized. He also expressed gratitude to university staff and officials for their ongoing support, which has ensured the continuity of the free legal aid program.
The Haramaya University College of Law and UNODC are committed to working together to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that all individuals have access to fair and just legal representation.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate