ODA: Oromia Dispute Alternatives: Principles, Mandate and Practice of Customary Courts in Oromia and beyond + follow-up 2.0

Detailed project description:

The Supreme Court of Oromia National Regional State, a key branch of government in Ethiopia's largest and most populous region, has led a comprehensive judicial reform over the past five years to reduce formal court litigation. A significant aspect of this reform is the establishment and recognition of Customary Courts, formalized under Proclamation No. 240/2021 and Regulation No. 10/2021. These courts have been integrated at the First Instance and Appellate levels across local and district administrations, with over 5,900 courts established.

To promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the Supreme Court, in collaboration together with VU Amsterdam, training modules were developed on mediation, restorative justice, procedural rights, and Gadaa values. Through the Oromia Dispute Alternatives (ODA) project, 40 judges, prosecutors, and university lecturers were trained on these topics, with materials translated into Afan Oromo.

Despite progress, ongoing training for Customary Court elders is needed to align practices with constitutional and human rights standards. The Supreme Court, with VU Amsterdam's continued support, aims to embed these training modules and promote principles like gender equality, human rights, and community reconciliation in Customary Court practices, setting a precedent for other regional states.