Annex 1 - case study matrix 4
Results (outputs and outcomes)
Emerging issues/ lessons
• A wide variety of issues have been handled, including individual claims for restitution, such as, claims for unpaid salaries and wrongful termination of contracts, and representation of clients in criminal matters including murder and land disputes.
• JCU has moved beyond the legalistic approach that focused on court representation to offering both legal assistance and advice, and psychosocial support - an approach that is critical for healing and social reintegration.
• By the end of June 2011, JCU had registered a total of 1039 legal cases, with 790 persons meeting the means and merit conditions for legal aid qualification. Of the 790 cases taken on, 12% (96 cases) were resolved through mediation and litigation.109 • The awareness of human rights and dispute resolution mechanisms has improved within target communities. • The abundance of service providers has created more avenues for communities and individuals to access justice.
• Though the majority of cases revolve around land disputes, the root causes for increased landrelated disputes and violations have not been researched and analysed by JCU. Hence, the approaches used might not always be appropriate for the different regions. • Alternative systems of justice, such as traditional leaders, have been largely overlooked by the implementation strategies of the justice centres. Yet these systems are the first point of call for many Ugandans because of their social and geographical proximity. • Despite a high number of registered cases, only a small percentage are resolved, largely as a result of barriers and delays within the formal justice system. Improving the success rate of litigation efforts is dependent on revitalising the formal justice system.
Rule of Law and Access to Justice in Eastern and Southern Africa: Showcasing Innovations and Good Practices 95