Aimed at strengthening the justice system and combating youth unemployment, the Ministry of Justice has over the past months welcomed over 200 law and admin interns, providing valuable exposure to the employment market.
Justice minister Yvonne Dausab expressed pride in the effectiveness of the internship programmes, emphasising their role in creating opportunities for graduates within the ministry and beyond.
Notably, the ministry has expanded its reach internationally, hosting interns from prestigious institutions such as McGill University in Canada and the Michigan Law School in the USA.
During a recent Cabinet briefing session, she added that the Directorate of Legal Aid has exceeded expectations in providing legal aid to indigent litigants.
“A remarkable budget allocation of N$35 million demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to ensuring access to justice for all,” she said.
On court infrastructure, Dausab emphasised the ministry’s pivotal role as the custodian of court infrastructure, administered by the Office of the Judiciary. Actively engaging in innovative strategies, she said, the ministry is dedicated to enhancing court capacity, addressing resource limitations at 36 community courts, and initiating the small claims court legislation with an upcoming pilot project.
In a triumph for justice, she announced the resolution of a legal dispute concerning the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court building.
“A new contractor has been appointed urgently to finalise the court, ensuring its prompt utilisation by court officials, staff and the public in the Zambezi region,” she said.
Adding to these milestones, the ministry reported the opening of a victim-friendly court facility at the magistrate’s court along Mungunda Street in Katutura late last year. This facility, specifically designed to address gender-based violence matters, is reinforcing its commitment to creating spaces that prioritise the well-being of individuals seeking justice.
Furthermore, the ministry has commenced the construction of another victim-friendly court in Keetmanshoop on land availed by the regional council.
“The ministry, in collaboration with the prosecutor general and key partnerships, plans to set up a wildlife court in Otjiwarongo to ensure the speedy hearing of cases involving wildlife crimes. Effective partnerships have proven to be a key success for this initiatives,” Dausab continued. The ministry has also operationalised the Witness Protection Act of 2017. This Act provides for protection services to be rendered to witnesses who need protection, especially in high-profile cases.
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