Debre Markos University (DMU) School of Law has officially launched a project aimed at strengthening criminal justice access for vulnerable communities, supported by a grant from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The project launch took place at the university’s main campus on February 20, 2018 E.C. (Ethiopian Calendar). The initiative is designed to ensure legal equity across the East and West Gojjam Zones, targeting citizens who lack the financial means to defend their legal rights.

According to the Dean of the School of Law, Ato Nigus Zerfu, the project was developed through the dedicated efforts of the school’s instructors to secure international funding. While the university has been providing free legal aid through 10 existing centers, this new funding enables the school to expand its free legal aid activities both in extent and reach.

Ato Abubakar Abren, the Free Legal Aid Officer, confirmed that the project will be implemented with a total budget of 9,200,000 (Nine Million Two Hundred Thousand) Birr provided by the UNODC. As he presented, the project enables the school to increase the number of legal aid centers from 10 to 13. The project targets Vulnerable Groups residing in East and West Gojjam zones, specifically assisting those caught in the criminal justice system who cannot afford professional representation. It also works on awareness creation by implementing mass mobilization and awareness campaigns to improve the legal literacy of the local population.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Yiheyis Aregu, Academic Vice President of DMU, emphasized that the university’s mission extends beyond the classroom. “Our mission includes a strong focus on community service. Projects like this play a vital role in solving practical societal problems that cannot be addressed through teaching alone,” Dr. Yiheyis stated.

He further urged all justice sector stakeholders to collaborate closely with the School of Law to enhance public trust in the legal system and uphold social justice.

Ato Ermias Kostre, the UNODC Free Legal Aid Project Coordinator, delivered a message via an online platform, stressing that the grant is centered on the fundamental right of citizens to access justice. He called upon the university leadership to ensure a transparent and accountable management of the funds and urged regional justice bodies to provide full cooperation to the legal professionals involved.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Debre Markos University and the East Gojjam Zone Justice Department.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Yiheyis Aregu and Ato Abebe Aweke, Head of the East Gojjam Zone Justice Department. This partnership formalizes a long-term commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of legal services for the residents of the region.