Addis Ababa, December 12, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia is advancing its justice sector reforms through the modernization of forensic services and the establishment of a cross-institutional e-learning platform, Justice Minister Hana Arayaselassie said on Thursday during the closure ceremony of the Technical Assistance Unit (TAU).
The TAU, implemented under the European Union’s Criminal Justice Support Programme by GIZ in consortium with DCAF, was established to strengthen Ethiopia’s criminal justice institutions, enhance prosecutorial and judicial capacities, and improve operational efficiency across the sector.
In her remarks at the event, Minister Hana highlighted that the program has strengthened coordination among federal criminal justice institutions and reinforced the Forensic Investigation Department, a key pillar for efficient prosecutorial services.
She emphasized that the TAU has facilitated people-centered, evidence-based reforms and the development of institutional mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives.
“The TAU program has shown that sustainable justice transformation is possible when our institutions collaborate effectively and build on shared expertise,” Minister Hana said.
She further affirmed that the Ministry of Justice is committed to deepening institutional coordination, enhancing professional competence and ethical standards, modernizing legal frameworks, and expanding access to justice across communities.
For his part, President of the Federal Supreme Court, Tewodros Mihret, underscored the program’s impact in strengthening federal–regional judicial relationships and supporting the Steering Committee on Criminal Justice Administration.
He highlighted that capacity-building initiatives and technical guidance, including on EU financial rules, compliance, and reporting standards, have enhanced Ethiopia’s ability to manage complex projects internally and implement reforms effectively.
“The TAU has provided us with the tools and knowledge to share best practices, exchange technology, and build lasting structures that will continue to benefit our institutions,” Tewodros said, noting that the professional and personal bonds developed during the program have further strengthened collaboration within and across judicial institutions.
Achievements of the program include enhanced prosecutorial support and crime-scene management in Afar, Gambella, Tigray, and Amhara; procurement and deployment of essential forensic equipment; and capacity building across forensic services, prosecution, and policing. The e-learning platform and knowledge-management tools ensure long-term access to learning and institutional development resources.
Although the TAU component has concluded, the broader EU Criminal Justice Support Programme will continue through its remaining initiatives, further advancing reforms in Ethiopia’s justice sector.
The closure ceremony highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to building a fair, efficient, and trusted justice system capable of supporting social cohesion, national stability, and economic development.