Haramaya University Free Legal Aid Service Program Achieves Wide-Reaching Legal Awareness Impact across Four Administrative Areas
Haramaya University College of Law is pleased to announce the successful completion of an extensive Legal Awareness Campaign conducted by its Free Legal Aid Service Program during October and November 2025.
The campaign reached communities across West Hararghe, East Hararghe, Maya City, and the Harari Regional State, further demonstrating the University’s longstanding commitment to advancing access to justice.
The College of Law continues to lead in delivering community-centered legal support through its Free Legal Aid Service Program, which has served as a pillar of justice and legal empowerment throughout Eastern Ethiopia. In line with this mission, the recent campaign reached a total of 57,903 beneficiaries, including 33,864 men and 24,039 women, through targeted legal awareness sessions delivered in more than 50 service centers and partner institutions. These included courts, justice offices, prisons, police stations, schools, rural community centers, and other justice-sector facilities.
The campaign addressed several key legal and human rights issues, including fundamental rights, family and property law, the justice process, protection of women and children, and access to free legal aid services. By equipping the public with practical and relevant legal knowledge, the Program continues to empower vulnerable and marginalized groups, ensuring that justice is accessible to all members of society.
Speaking on the significance of the Program’s efforts, Mr. Chala Yuye, Program Coordinator, stated: “the program is benefiting the community by providing free legal support while also working to build a society that is aware of its rights and duties, and capable of exercising those rights before the courts.”
He further emphasized that “Community members, stakeholders, and all partners must stand together to sustain this valuable service and ensure that the community’s right to access justice is fully realized.”
Dr. Richard J. Wetzell, Dean of the College of Law, commended the Program’s achievements, noting that the results reflect the University’s strong dedication to community service and legal empowerment. He expressed appreciation to all governmental organizations (GOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) especially European Union and UNODC support, civil society organizations (CSOs), justice sector institutions, and community administrations that contributed to the success of the campaign.
Dr. Richard reaffirmed the College’s commitment to expanding its outreach initiatives and strengthening access to justice across all areas it serves.
Justice belongs to everyone and Haramaya University is honored to continue advancing that commitment for the communities it serves.
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate
Tags: Access to Justice, Administrative Areas, Community Outreach, Ethiopia Legal Support, Free Legal Aid, Haramaya University, Legal Awareness, Legal Education, Public Service Program