From December 3 to 5, 2023, as part of the "Make Law Accessible for All” informational campaign, the Legal Aid Service (LAS), with support of USAID Rule of Law Program, organized an array of actions which informed Adjara dwellers about their rights.

On December 3, the LAS with the involvement of student-paralegals conducted a mock trial at Batumi City Court focusing the best interest of the child. High school students from various public schools in Batumi served as special civil jurors while Batumi City Court Judge Khatuna Bolkvadze and LAS Batumi Bureau Head Iamze Zandaradze presided over the trial.

The student-paralegals played opposing roles in the trial. LAS Director Davit Simonia briefed students on child-related issues and guided the jury in reaching its verdict. The trial simulated a child custody case after a marriage dissolution.

At the trial’s conclusion, Judge Bolkvadze told the students that they should be aware of their rights, and emphasized how knowledge empowers them to advocate for themselves and others. She shared her observation that the mock trial did a good job of showing the challenges judges, lawyers, and juries face in ensuring a just process and fair resolution in real cases.

On December 4, the student-paralegals, along with LAS Director David Simonia, visited Zeda and Kveda Gantiadis’ (villages) public schools, and explained to over 70 students and teachers the basics of about the rights of children, persons with disabilities, and women.  

On December 5, LAS Batumi Bureau Head, Iamze Zandaradze engaged with students and teachers from Maradidi village's public school, and explained the mission and function of LAS. The student-paralegals then spoke about children’s rights, including rights related to health, education, family life, play, and protection from abuse and harm. They also discussed topics such as early marriage, juvenile justice, bullying, and inclusive education.

Also, on December 5, the student-paralegals, accompanied by LAS representatives, went to village Nigvziani’s public school in the Guria region. They engaged students in conversations about the best interests of children, early marriage, and juvenile justice. Lado Apkhazava, teacher and the finalist for the Global Teacher Prize initiated and organized the meeting.

The above-mentioned events were in commemoration of Human Rights Day, observed each December 10th, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.