Reviewing the National Legal Aid Policy

On October 3rd, members of the Certa Foundation attended a workshop led by the Ministry of Justice to review the progress of the National Legal Aid Policy implementation. Representing our Foundation included Nsengiyumva Iriho Nadege, Center for Justice and Advocacy legal assistant  Bella Munezero, Center for Law & Innovation project lead and partnership Liaison, Jean Claude, senior researcher at Center for Law and Innovation and a few other key stakeholders presented critical challenges impacting pro bono legal services. Key issues highlighted included the lack of collaboration with agencies like the Rwanda Forensic Laboratory, which limits access to essential services such as DNA testing due to cost barriers. Data protection challenges for legal aid seekers and the absence of a regulatory framework governing legal aid providers were also discussed.

This productive workshop provided a forum to advocate for enhanced legal aid services and foster hope for future improvements in accessibility and collaboration within Rwanda’s justice system.