Training Justice Officials in Ethiopia
Taking advantage of the government's Criminal Justice Reform programme, Prison Fellowship Ethiopia has developed training seminars for justice officials. From June to September 2004, PFE offered seminars on Human Rights and Criminal Justice in several locations with support from the Supreme Court of each region.
The seminars featured guest speakers from the courts, different international missions to Ethiopia, and PF Ethiopia. Presentation topics included:
- Human Rights Standards in the Criminal Justice System-The Handling of Prisoners and the Accused
- The Role of Police and Prosecutors in Handling Prisoners and the Accused
After the presentations were completed, seminar attendees were divided into groups to discuss the policy issues presented, implications for practice and challenges to be faced.
On August 6, PFE also held a forum on ‘Criminal Behaviour Transformation.’ A speaker from England presented a talk on different methodologies and experiences in working with prisoners and behavioural change programmes. Mr. Lemi Daba of PFE spoke on restorative justice.
Along with its work in the criminal justice system, PFE is working with the Evangelical Church Association and local Ethiopian Orthodox believers to raise awareness among churches about justice issues. In late September, the ministry trained church leaders in restorative justice with the purpose of encouraging church participation in victim offender reconciliation programmes.
