Addis Ababa: Efforts to enhance the credibility, independence, and fairness of the justice system will be further intensified, Justice Minister Hanna Arayasalassie said. Speaking at the inauguration of Kolfe Keranyo Judicial Bodies Building, estimated to cost over 600 million Birr, she noted that a comprehensive set of reforms have been implemented within the justice system.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the newly built facility features 7 floors, multiple courtrooms, office spaces, and amenities for individuals with disabilities. The minister said that the newly constructed building serves as a tangible symbol of the government’s unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and facilitating equitable access to justice for all citizens. The infrastructure underscores the significance of the legal system in promoting a just society and signifies a concrete step towards enhancing judicial services and the overall efficiency of the justice system, she added.
By investing in such state-of-the-art facilities, the government aims to underscore its commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and fairness in the legal framework, ultimately striving to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights through the promotion of a robust legal infrastructure, the minister stated. According to her, the government has allocated funding and resources to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system. Hanna further stated that the reforms in the judiciary are aimed to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and overall quality of the judicial process, ultimately ensuring that justice is served in a timely and fair manner.
On his part, Federal Court of First Instance President, Fuad Kiyar, pointed out the pressing need to ensure that the public has access to the essential infrastructures built, given the vital role that justice bodies play as the third branch of government. The president emphasized the importance of the right to a fair trial as a fundamental aspect of the judiciary. He elaborated that construction works for this purpose should be extended to ensure that the reforms implemented by the justice bodies have a direct impact on society. This would ultimately lead to the establishment of a more transparent and trustworthy justice system, the president concluded.
Federal Supreme Court Vice President Abeba Embiale highlighted the significant focus that courts and judicial bodies have received in recent years as part of ongoing reforms. She also revealed that preparations have been completed for the construction and expansion of buildings for the Federal High Court and the Federal First Court in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa cities. Moreover, the vice president said smart courts, along with other technologies aimed at enhancing the justice system, are under implementation to enhance service delivery, in addition to creating comfortable and appealing workplaces for justice system personnel and service seekers alike. Once these technologies become operational, they will effectively decrease inefficiencies in terms of time, financial resources, and human effort, she stressed.