Justice on the Move: Advancing Access to Legal Aid - Part 1

Justice on the Move: Advancing Access to Legal Aid documents the delivery of free legal aid services in Hawassa City and surrounding areas in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley. Produced by Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), the film highlights efforts to promote access to justice through a consortium-based legal aid project implemented in partnership with Mizan Young Lawyers Center and other legal service providers.

The documentary follows a mobile legal aid team as they travel to police stations and community locations, including Dore Bafena, Wendo Genet, and Luko, providing pre-trial legal aid support to individuals in custody. Through on-site legal counseling, case review, and rights awareness, the teams work to safeguard due process and protect the rights of vulnerable individuals.

Featuring insights from Mr. Ameha Mekonnen, Executive Director of Lawyers for Human Rights, alongside legal professionals from Mizan Young Lawyers Center and Advocates Ethiopia, the film presents a comprehensive view of how collaborative legal aid services are delivered across multiple sub-cities, including Tabor, Addis Ketema, and Mehal.

The documentary also includes testimonies from police leadership, prosecutors, legal aid providers, and beneficiaries, offering a balanced and authentic perspective on the impact of free legal aid services in strengthening justice delivery, improving institutional cooperation, and restoring trust in the legal system.

This film stands as a testament to the role of mobile legal aid in bridging justice gaps and ensuring that access to justice reaches those who need it most.