About Us

About Us

The Expanding Access to Justice (EAJ) Program was a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to justice and mechanisms to address grievances in Somalia. With a focus on lasting improvements and stability, EAJ worked tirelessly for five years to empower Somali citizens and strengthen justice systems.

Download Project Profile

EAJ Profile_USAID_with Map 4

Our Mission: At EAJ, our mission was to ensure that every Somali citizen had equal access to justice and the means to resolve their grievances in a fair and transparent manner. We firmly believed that a just society is a stable society, and through our efforts, we aimed to contribute to the overall peace and development of Somalia.

Our Approach: EAJ adopted a holistic approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Somali citizens in accessing justice. We implemented three core elements: Community-Based Justice Assistance and Awareness, Model Courts, and Justice Committees. By combining these elements, we aimed to create an inclusive and effective justice ecosystem that met the needs of the people.

Key Objectives:

  • Objective 1: Support and improve inclusive community engagement in justice solutions
  • Objective 2: Strengthen justice services (supply-side support)
  • Objective 3: Improve navigation of justice services by aggrieved parties (demand-side support)

Partnerships: We recognized the importance of collaboration and worked in close partnership with government actors, including the FGS Office of the Chief Justice, district courts, and ministries of justice in Southwest State (SWS) and Somaliland. Additionally, we collaborated with eight Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focused on providing legal aid and support to vulnerable populations.

Impact: Throughout our journey, we have made significant strides in improving access to justice in Somalia. We assisted thousands of individuals in resolving their disputes, reached over 20,000 vulnerable citizens with legal information, and facilitated the creation of vital justice institutions and committees. Our research and publications have also contributed to a better understanding of justice challenges in Somalia.

Program Completion: After five years of dedicated work, the EAJ Program has successfully concluded its operations. While our program has ended, our commitment to the cause remains strong. We extend our gratitude to all our partners, supporters, and stakeholders who played a crucial role in achieving our shared goals.

Our Partners

Mogadishu University Law Clinic

Somali Women Development Center

City University Law Clinic

SCAG

SODDEN

Somaliland Women Law Association

ADAM Academy

ADR

Ministry of Justice SWS

Thank you for joining us on this journey to expand access to justice in Somalia. Together, we have made a lasting impact and laid the foundation for a more just and equitable society.