The Legal Aid Service of Georgia (LAS), with USAID Rule of Law Program support, began its Make Justice Accessible for All: Paralegal Initiative and Career Talks initiative from Adjara region in September last year. This month, the LAS and the Program are expanding the informational campaign to the Imereti region.

On October 19, 2023, LAS Director David Simonia and the USAID Rule of Law Program’s Kutaisi Rule of Law Hub Attorney Ana Shalamberidze met with Akaki Tsereteli State University students to deliver information on the Make Justice Accessible for All campaign.

David Simonia remarked, "This campaign is a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience alongside their academic studies. They will actively participate in free legal consultations and training programs facilitated by legal aid attorneys and other invited expert practitioners." He broadly shared about the free legal services provided by LAS in Imereti and throughout Georgia.

Ana Shalamberidze emphasized that “the Make Justice Accessible for All initiative, provides students with an opportunity to establish valuable contacts within the legal profession and gain insight into the organizational structure and professional ethics of the related public institutions, particularly during the traineeship stage.”

The Make Justice Accessible for All campaign is divided into two parts: students selected through an open call from various universities will broaden their knowledge through trainings in different human rights and communication skills. Esteemed judges and legal experts will share their expertise, addressing pivotal issues including fundamental human rights, women’s rights, trafficking, child’s rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities.

The second part of the activity involves interfacing with individuals in the Imereti region. The newly trained student-paralegals will disseminate information on selected human rights issues and provide consultations to inform individuals about their fundamental rights. In addition, student-paralegals will also take part in a mock trial, fostering practical application of their newfound knowledge. Public discussions organized as a part of the campaign will serve as an interactive platform to engage the wider community.

The Akaki Tsereteli State University students expressed interest in the selection criteria for the Make Justice Accessible for All program and inquired whether the same opportunity will be available next year. They also asked about the number of available slots in the program and whether they will receive final certificates upon completion of this initiative.

In its entirety, the activity is dedicated to ensuring that access to justice services are extended to all, enabling Georgians to be well-informed about and protect their rights. The LAS, with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, is steadfast in its commitment to supporting fair trial standards and ensuring access to justice for all citizens of Georgian. Through education, practical experience, and community engagement, the Make Justice Accessible for All initiative equips students and citizens alike to navigate the legal landscape with confidence and competence.